CRTC chair Vicky Eatrides talks strategic planning at IIC conference

OTTAWA–The CRTC has launched an updated strategic vision. Commission chair Vicky Eatrides publicly introduced the plan Monday at the opening of the annual conference of the Canadian Chapter of the International Institute of Communications. The brief document does not go into great detail, but it aims to promote competition in wireless and internet services; upgrading regulations under the Broadcasting Act in light of new commission responsibilities under the Online Streaming Act and the Online News Act; and improving the functioning of the regulator itself. “We identified things that I think would be quite natural for people to think of in terms of where we wanted to focus our resources,” Eatrides told The Wire Report in an exclusive interview late last week. “So telecommunications, making sure that people have access to high-quality affordable cell phone and internet services. The Broadcasting Act, making sure that we’re implementing the new legislation and properly modernizing the broadcast regime,” she said. CRTC Chairperson and CEO Vicky Eatrides. (Photo: Andrew Meade/Hill Times Publishing) The CRTC is also looking inward at its own operations. It seeks to make decisions timelier, and deal with the backlog of Part 1 applications. It wants to engage more fully with stakeholders and bring more diversity into its hiring process. Eatrides stresses the need for such a review. “It’s building trust and confidence in the CRTC,” she said of the internal arrangements, “making sure we’re working quickly and working efficiently.” For telecommunications, the CRTC plans to continue to monitor the markets for internet and wireless service to guarantee the proper balance between increased competition and continuing investment in high-quality networks. Rates competitors pay the incumbents for access to those grids must be fair and reasonable. It will work with all levels of government to bring high-speed internet to rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. This process is already underway with programs such as the Broadband Fund. In broadcasting, the commission pay attention to how each broadcasting outlet supports the system, including definitions of Canadian and Indigenous content. Particular effort will be made to work with the Indigenous community to co-develop a broadcast strategy. The regulator also has responsibility to administer the Online News Act, including setting up a framework for bargaining and resolving complaints. Eatrides was asked if the government should give the commission more money to handle the greater responsibilities. She smiled as she answered. “I think most people would say they could use more resources. I will say the same,” she stated. “I do think we would put extra resources to good use and this is part of the reason we have prioritized, so we can look at the high-priority areas, things that we can do less of or put on a longer timeline.” ppark@thewirereport.ca

CRTC chair Vicky Eatrides talks strategic planning at IIC conference

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By Paul Park
| October 21, 2024

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CRTC chair Vicky Eatrides talks strategic planning at IIC conference

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