GATINEAU — A letter sent to the CRTC by Quebecor Media after interventions were closed for the CBC/Radio-Canada’s licence renewal process will not be added to the public record, the Commission announced Wednesday.
Quebecor made the late submission to the proceeding on April 14, after the February 20 deadline for interventions. In its letter, Quebecor complained that CBC/Radio-Canada is competing unfairly with private broadcasters during the Covid-19 crisis. Quebecor had already submitted an intervention before the deadline, but followed up with additional complaints against the public broadcaster in its letter.
In a letter dated May 6 sent to Quebecor, the Commission wrote: “Several arguments included in your letter were raised as a part of your intervention and, as such, are already on the public record. Furthermore, Quebecor Media has indicated that it wishes to appear at the public hearing where it will be possible to discuss the issues you have already raised. The Commission may also ask Quebecor Media and the CBC/SRC questions regarding these matters if the Commission considers that it is necessary and relevant to do so for the public record.”
However, given that Quebecor suggests in its letter these matters should be addressed urgently, the Commission says the company can file a complaint, pursuant to Part 1 of the Rules of Practice and Procedure, clearly indicating the regulations or conditions of licence which it feels CBC/SRC is breaching, with supporting evidence.
The public hearing into the renewal of the CBC’s broadcasting licences have been indefinitely delayed due to the Covid-19 crisis.
