OTTAWA-GATINEAU – The CRTC released two reports Monday which it says reiterates its commitment to official-language minority communities (OLMC).
The reports, Annual report on results – Implementation of Section 41 of the Official Languages Act (2010-2011) and Results-Based Action Plan – Implementation of Section 41 of the Official Languages Act (2011-2014) highlight recent CRTC decisions which the Commission claims “will lead to improved access to broadcasting and telecommunications services, and increased OLMC representation within the broadcasting system”.
“OLMCs have increased their participation in processes that affect their development. They have shared their viewpoints and priorities,” said CRTC chairman Konrad von Finckenstein, in a statement. “As a result, the Commission can systematically take OLMC interests into account in its analyses and deliberations.”
The CRTC is a designated institution under section 41 of the Official Languages Act and is therefore required to prepare an action plan for implementing section 41, Part VII, of the Act and to report on its achievements.
The Commission said that over the past three years, it has taken steps to encourage OLMCs to participate in its public processes. For example, it required Shaw Communications to provide satellite receivers and antennas, including installation and free programming to qualifying households across Canada, including those in OLMCs, to ensure affected viewers continue to receive the signals of their local and regional stations after the transition to digital television. In addition, as a result of the review of CRTC’s satellite distribution policy, OLMCs will enjoy additional regional stations, including CBLFT Toronto and CBKFT Regina, as well as increased coverage of these stations.
The CRTC pledged to continue to keep OLMCs appraised of issues that affect them and seek their participation in relevant public processes through its website and dedicated working groups.
