📋 Tender Overview
Pablo Rodriguez Minister of Canadian Heritage and Franois-Philippe Champagne Minister of Innovation Science and Economic Development sent a letter to Vicky Eatrides recently appointed Chair of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission CRTC.The Government of Canada would like to congratulate the new Chair of the CRTC and to inform her of the Governments vision and priorities with respect to Canadas broadcasting and telecommunications system.Here is the full text of the letter sent on February 3Dear Vicky EatridesCongratulations on your appointment as Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission CRTC.Through the open and transparent process for the selection of this important position it became clear that your track record of leadership change management competition and commitment to the public interest was what was needed for the CRTC at this critical juncture. We are confident in your abilities to lead this organization into an evolving and ever-more-important function and to see to its continued modernization to being more open transparent efficient and effective. The need for a new approach is underpinned by the dramatic changes that are occurring in our countrys communications ecosystem. Given this we would like to take this opportunity to highlight a number of the issues that will be important in fulfilling your mandate.For over 50 years the Government of Canada has remained committed to an independent public authority that operates at arms length as a communications regulator. This ensures that the Canadian communications system is supervised and regulated in an impartial manner by an expert body which is essential to a free and democratic society. Mindful of our respective roles and responsibilities we believe that we can work together on shared objectives such as the creation and dissemination of quality Canadian audio and audiovisual content on all platforms and the strengthening of telecommunications affordability competition and consumer rights.For Canadians the Internet has added unprecedented connectivity and communication to almost every aspect of daily life. Greater availability and affordability of high-speed Internet offer Canadians increased opportunities to participate in our economy and democracy and to stay connected with family and friends. While digital transformation creates opportunities it also brings challenges. We have now all witnessed the ways in which digital technologies can undermine our culture entrench inequality and unfairness in society and jeopardize democracy. Navigating this digital reality will be a critical focus for all of us.The Government of Canada has an ambitious legislative and policy agenda to advance the cultural social and economic interests of Canada and of Canadians in the digital economy. Together the proposed Online Streaming Act Online News Act and Digital Charter Implementation Act as well as a future legislation on online safety represent core pillars of our digital policy agenda. This legislation builds on the foundations of the Broadcasting Act and the Telecommunications Act as well as Canadas anti-spam legislation alongside important ongoing work on competition digital access and adoption and Canadian leadership in new technologies. Your leadership and that of the CRTC more broadly will be critical to ensuring that new legislation is implemented effectively. Practical and workable regulations can ensure policy goals are met while maintaining Canadians online experience and ensuring everyone can participate in and benefit from an increasingly digital culture and society.An expert and independent regulator facing waning trustAs an expert independent regulator the CRTC implements the laws and regulations set forth by Parliament in the public interest. As the CRTCs leader your role is vital in upholding public trust in the institution. The CRTC has a long history of balancing critical public policy objectives that can come into tension which include individual interests and the pursuit of the common good and the long-term interests of the country.Unfortunately our sense is that public confidence and trust in the CRTC has waned in recent years. Over the course of our mandates we have spoken and engaged with Canadians parliamentarians stakeholders academics and civil society on their experiences with and perceptions of the CRTC. While there is broad and strong support for an independent and effective CRTC we consistently heard that the organization falls short in three areasTimeliness of decision makingAccessibility of CRTC processes to the public non-corporate interest groups and civil societyOpenness and transparencyOn the first point there is a perception that the CRTC is taking too long to make decisions. CRTC regulatory decisions are essential to creating a stable competitive and innovative business environment. Undue delays create uncertainty and potentially impact investment decisions and service offerings for Canadians. As the pace of technological change continues unabated timely decision making will only be more critical in responding to the needs and expectations of society and industry.Public interest decision making requires hearing from diverse interests. Right now there is a perception among many that access to CRTC processes is unequal. While the regulators open and evidence-based processes are a core strength barriers to participation remain. Smaller organizations and civil society groups in particular expressed concern about not having the same level of resources as large corporate interests to participate in CRTC proceedings.In addition hearing from traditionally marginalized communities is essential to achieving a fairer and inclusive communications system that is reflective of Canadian society.
