UPDATED: CRTC postpones broadcast hearings following snap election call

The CRTC announced that it will be postponing three hearings related to updating the Canadian broadcasting framework under the Online Streaming Act, after Prime Minister Mark Carney called a snap election on Sunday. “The commission is mindful that the federal public service operates under the ‘caretaker convention’ during an election period,” the CRTC wrote in three separate notices on Monday, March 24. The regulator postponed hearings related to redefining “Canadian program” in the audio-visual sector, also known as CanCon, previously scheduled for March 31; examining the market dynamics of the broadcasting sector, previously scheduled for May 12; and modernizing the CanCon rules for audio services, previously scheduled for June 18. On March 31, the CRTC announced the audio-visual CanCon hearing was rescheduled for May 14, and the market dynamics hearing was rescheduled for June 18. On April 4, the CRTC announced that the audio CanCon hearing was rescheduled for Sept. 18. READ MORE: – CRTC launches Streaming Act consults on CanCon definition, radio regulations – ‘Outdated’ regulatory tools unsuitable for online environment, streamers tell CRTC – Broadcasters differ on usefulness of CRTC’s undue preference, standstill rules – CRTC to examine CanCon rules for audio in June hearings During an election period, the Canadian government enacts a caretaker convention for the federal public service, restricting government actions in an effort to prevent them from being used for partisan aims — or even appear to be doing so. While the convention primarily applies to the government and its departments, it can also influence the operations of independent bodies like the CRTC. “During the election period there is a convention that you consult with Privy Council Office, because you should not be making news that could become part of the election campaign,” Scott Shortliffe, the CRTC’s executive director of broadcasting, previously said during a technical briefing earlier this year when asked about the effects an election could have on the commission’s proceedings. “The fact there's an election does not stop any of our consultations,” said Shortliffe at the time. “It could, perhaps theoretically, change some of the timing when we're doing a few things, but our consultations that we've announced will continue. They're still valid whether or not there's an election, we're still building the record, and we will still be anticipating public hearings.” “It will be business as usual,” he stated, noting that while the CRTC plans to follow the timetable it has established, its schedule could still be affected by an election. phalentm@thewirereport.ca Editor's note: This story was updated on March 31, 2025 with the newly scheduled dates for the audio-visual CanCon hearing and market dynamics hearing; as well as on April 4, 2025 with the newly scheduled date for the audio CanCon hearing.

UPDATED: CRTC postpones broadcast hearings following snap election call

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By Phalen Tynes-MacDonald
| March 24, 2025

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UPDATED: CRTC postpones broadcast hearings following snap election call

Broadcast | By Phalen Tynes-MacDonald | March 24, 2025

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By Phalen Tynes-MacDonald
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