OTTAWA – The CRTC last week unveiled an ambitious three-year plan that lists its priorities as modernizing the regulatory framework for the Canadian broadcasting system, improving access to advanced and competitive communication services, strengthening the security and safety of Canadians through the communication system, and building a high-performing organization.
Those initiatives are among a number of goals that the Commission has outlined for completion during 2014-17 under the pillars of “connect,” “create”, “protect”, and “management excellence.”
The CRTC added that its shorter term activities include a public consultation on the television system and initiating a review of the basic telecommunications services required by Canadians to participate fully in the digital economy. It also pledged to begin enforcing Canada’s anti-spam legislation and launch the Spam Reporting Centre, plus prepare to establish a Voter Contact Registry, should Parliament decide to grant it this new responsibility.
The report also includes a scorecard that updates the activities the Regulator previously identified in the three-year plan for 2013-2016. A rolling three-year plan is published annually in April, at the beginning of the CRTC’s fiscal year.
“As a public institution, the CRTC must be accountable to Canadians and keep pace with their evolving needs and interests”, reads the report’s opening message from chairman Jean-Pierre Blais. “This is particularly important in a communications environment that is undergoing significant transformation as Canadians adopt innovative technologies. In addition, we are mindful of the impact our activities and regulations may have on the broadcasting and telecommunications sectors. As such, we may need to revisit some of the activities listed in this plan as we adapt to a dynamic and ever-changing marketplace.”
