OTTAWA and TORONTO – Members of Canada’s screen-based media industries expressed cautious optimism towards this week’s three new CRTC appointments, though reiterated their call for Commissioners with backgrounds in film and television production.
The Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) described new CRTC chair Ian Scott, broadcasting VP Caroline Simard, and interim telecom vice-chair Christianne Laizner as “amply qualified individuals who will bring considerable experience and expertise to bear on the complex issues facing the CRTC and our industry.”
“With two vacancies remaining open, (regional members for Manitoba/Saskatchewan and Ontario), we encourage the Minister to round out this deep bench with regional Commissioners who have a professional background in independent film, television and digital media production”, reads a statement by CMPA president and CEO Reynolds Mastin. “Over the course of its nearly 50-year history, the CRTC has never had a single Commissioner from the independent production sector; this gap must be addressed to ensure effective regulation of the entire industry.”
Professional performers union ACTRA expressed its hope that new leadership will bring new direction to the Regulator, one that “respects and fosters the contributions of Canadian creative talent.”
“ACTRA is eager to work with new leadership if they are ready to set a new direction, but the lack of any commissioners with experience in film and television production is still an issue”, said ACTRA National executive director Stephen Waddell, in a statement. “Broadcasters and telecoms are well-represented at the table. It would be good to see a voice for creators as well.”
