CRTC approves CAV funding, contribution levels, for 2022 and 2023

The CRTC Thursday approved a revenue-per cent charge of 0.46 per cent to the National Contribution Fund (NCF) for 2022. At the same time it approved on an interim basis a similar 0.46 per cent charge for 2023. The NCF funds other initiatives administered by the commission, including the Canadian Administrator of VRS (CAV) and the Broadband Fund. CAV received $30 million for 2022 to provide video relay service (VRS) to the deaf and hard of hearing. The Broadband Fund is being granted $150 million this year. The commission estimates that CAV and Broadband Fund will have cost requirements of $180.9 million next year, a slight decrease from the $181 million allocated for 2022. Any money not spent by the Broadband Fund in a calendar year will be returned to the pool to be used in future years. CAV has received $29.9 million from the CRTC’s NCF for operations in 2023. The administrator uses video relay service (VRS) to allow people who use sign language to use telephones to communicate with others. The regulator also approved CAV’s request for a four-year extension on its contracts with suppliers on Thursday. CAV had said that the timeline of a CRTC review of VRS would not allow for a timely issuance of requests for proposals (RFP). Earlier this year, the commission approved $30 million to CAV for its 2022 operations. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Coalition (DHH Coaltion) and the Canada Deaf Grassroots Movement (CDGM) filed interventions with the CRTC saying that CAV’s application was filed before the commission approved the 988 emergency number for suicide prevention. They asked that the administrator’s budget be increased to accommodate this. The CAV responded that it is best situated to handle funding requirements. The regulator agreed, stating that the administrator will ensure that 988 service is available to the deaf and hard of hearing. Operations make up 87 per cent of CAV’s budget with wages constituting six per cent. Professional services are responsible for five per cent of the budget. Marketing, administration and board all came in at one per cent or less. Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that the CRTC approved a revenue-per cent charge of 4.6 per cent.

CRTC approves CAV funding, contribution levels, for 2022 and 2023

Brief | December 15, 2022

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CRTC approves CAV funding, contribution levels, for 2022 and 2023

Brief | December 15, 2022

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