ISED proposes new official language rules for antenna consultations

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is proposing new official languages requirements for consultations regarding the installation or modification of antenna systems across Canada. Under the proposed changes, a greater number of consultations about the siting of antennas will be required to take place in both English and French. Canadians who weigh in on those consultations will also be given more rights to receive responses from telecommunications companies in the official language of their choice. ISED has launched a consultation on the matter, proposing two possible approaches for new official language rules. The first would apply official language requirements to antenna consultations across the board. Any entity conducting a consultation about the installation or modification of an antenna system would need to provide all initial communications in both English and French. Members of the public who provide commentary on such consultations would then have the right to a response from the entity in the official language of their choice. ISED’s second proposal would apply the same rules, but only for antenna consultations in communities where the official language minority makes up at least five per cent of the population, according to the most recent census. All other communities would then be free to conduct consultations only in their majority official language. At present, 671 communities fall into this category, including capitals and larger cities such as Montreal, Ottawa, Laval, Whitehorse, Iqaluit, and Fredericton. In its call for comments, ISED states that a stricter official language requirement would facilitate civic engagement. “The implementation of official languages requirements for public consultation processes would improve the accessibility of the consultation process for Canadians across the country, thus facilitating better public engagement.” At present, ISED’s rules on antennas require that any installation of antenna systems (such as masts and towers) anywhere in Canada requires such a consultation, which can be conducted by ISED or a local land-use authority. This is ISED’s first update to its rules on Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems since 2014 Submissions to the consultation are due April 16.

ISED proposes new official language rules for antenna consultations

Brief | March 18, 2021

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ISED proposes new official language rules for antenna consultations

Brief | March 18, 2021

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