The Government of Canada’s Task Force on Spam today released its final report. The report calls for new, targeted legislation, as well as more rigorous enforcement, which would strengthen the legal and regulatory weapons that Canada could use in the global battle against spam.

The report also supports the creation of a focal point within government for coordinating the actions taken to address the spam issue and other related problems like spyware.

David Emerson, Minister of Industry, congratulated the members of the Task Force on Spam for their work over the last year.

“We need to rid the Internet of the scourge of spam if Canada is going to be able to reap the full benefit of a strong e-economy,” said Emerson, in a release. “These recommendations merit strong consideration.”

Industry Canada established the Task Force on Spam one year ago to oversee the implementation of the government’s Anti-Spam Action Plan and to consider further action. The Task Force brought together leading representatives of ISPs, e-marketers, government and consumers. Working group participation included over 60 stakeholder groups, which provided input on such key areas as legislation and enforcement, international collaboration, and public education and awareness.

Under the leadership of the Task Force, these groups have already implemented practical measures aimed at reducing spam in Canada. Anti-spam “best practices” for network management and for commercial e-mail marketing are now in place.

The Task Force also launched the Stop Spam Here Internet-based communications campaign to inform users of steps that they can take to limit and control the volume of spam they receive.