Introduction
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Mandate and Profile of the Organization
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (the CRTC or the Commission) is an independent public authority constituted under the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Act. It reports to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage.
The CRTC’s mandate is to regulate and supervise all aspects of the Canadian broadcasting system, and to regulate common telecommunications carriers and service providers that fall under federal jurisdiction. The CRTC is responsible for applying the Broadcasting Act and the Telecommunications Act.
The primary objective of the Broadcasting Act is to ensure that all Canadians have access to a wide variety of high-quality Canadian programming. The main objective of the Telecommunications Act is to ensure that Canadians have access to reliable telephone and other telecommunications services at affordable prices. In short, the CRTC’s role is to maintain the delicate balance between the distinct cultural, social and economic goals of these two statutes.
The Commission regulates more than 3300 broadcasters, including television, cable distribution, pay and specialty television, direct-to-home satellite systems, multipoint distribution systems (including microwave frequencies), subscription television and pay audio.
Between April 1, 2004, and March 31, 2005, the Commission published 712 broadcasting decisions, including 132 new licences, 283 licence amendments and 176 licence renewals. The CRTC also regulates over 78 telecommunications carriers including major telephone companies.
The CRTC has up to thirteen full-time and six part-time commissioners, all appointed by the Governor in Council for terms of up to five years, including the chairperson and vice-chairperson. The Commission has approximately 400 employees, most working at head office in the National Capital Region. A small number work at seven regional offices.
The CRTC’s mandate involves two roles: i) decisions of general application, namely the adoption of regulations and policy development, and ii) public-authority activities, such as the power to issue, amend, suspend, revoke and renew licences and set rates. In the latter role, the CRTC’s decisions relate to individual cases over which the Commissioner of Official Languages does not have the power to intercede. This audit therefore covers decisions of general application, such as policies, and their compliance with section 41 of the Official Languages Act.
The CRTC has stated that its challenge is to ensure Canadians have access to a variety of voices and choices within a dynamic and competitive industry, while ensuring strong Canadian companies that are capable of competing globally. It remains dedicated to sustainable competition and the emergence of new services to meet its strategic objectives, with due regard to the current and future social, cultural and economic environment.
