Mr. Chair, point of order.
Evidence of meeting #48 for Canadian Heritage in the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was crtc.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Evidence of meeting #48 for Canadian Heritage in the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was crtc.
A recording is available from Parliament.
4:05 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Michael Chong
Let me just deal with this point of order first, Mr. Angus.
I believe Ms. Crombie is speaking to the matter at hand. She is addressing the policies and procedures for order-in-council appointees. She is making her arguments before she comes to a question. So it is in order and I'll allow it.
Now, there is a point of order from Mr. Angus.
4:05 p.m.
NDP
Charlie Angus NDP Timmins—James Bay, ON
Mr. Chair, I have great respect and love for my colleague Mr. Del Mastro. I think he sometimes is a little thin-skinned. We heard him at the last meeting. He called a witness a fraud, and then he demanded that we understand that his five minutes was his five minutes.
So I think he should keep his stick on the ice.
4:05 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Michael Chong
Thank you, Mr. Angus. I've already ruled on this issue. This is not a matter of procedure.
We'll go to Madam Crombie. Go ahead.
4:05 p.m.
Liberal
Bonnie Crombie Liberal Mississauga—Streetsville, ON
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
As I was saying, we have established that you're well educated. We're just here to determine how qualified you are for the position, notwithstanding the cozy group of friends you keep.
May I ask you a question? Have you ever made a donation to the Conservative Party of Canada?
4:05 p.m.
Vice-Chair (Appointee), Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
Thank you for the question.
I may have at some point. I don't recall when that might have been. But I can tell you that I have also contributed to the Liberal Party of Canada.
4:10 p.m.
Liberal
Bonnie Crombie Liberal Mississauga—Streetsville, ON
I'm sure that it's a matter of public record.
May I also ask you what type of law you practise?
4:10 p.m.
Vice-Chair (Appointee), Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
For the most part, it is criminal defence.
4:10 p.m.
Liberal
Bonnie Crombie Liberal Mississauga—Streetsville, ON
It is criminal defence.
Now, qualifications for your position require that the candidate
possess extensive knowledge of the legislative framework and mandate of the CRTC, as well as knowledge of the theories, practices and procedures related to administrative justice, especially related to quasi-judicial bodies. An understanding of the relevant global, societal, economic trends,... the government’s policy agenda and how it relates to the CRTC, its work,
Do you have such an understanding of the CRTC's mandate and its work?
4:10 p.m.
Vice-Chair (Appointee), Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
I most certainly do.
4:10 p.m.
Liberal
4:10 p.m.
Vice-Chair (Appointee), Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
There are over 25 criteria on the document in question.
4:10 p.m.
Liberal
Bonnie Crombie Liberal Mississauga—Streetsville, ON
Well, I'm focusing on just one. I don't have time to go through the other 24. This is just the one I'd like to ask about.
4:10 p.m.
Vice-Chair (Appointee), Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
You should take the time. I think it's an important position.
4:10 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Michael Chong
Mr. Pentefountas, Madam Crombie has the floor. She is entitled, as a member, to have her time and to use it as she wishes.
Go ahead, Madam Crombie.
4:10 p.m.
Liberal
Bonnie Crombie Liberal Mississauga—Streetsville, ON
Mr. Pentefountas was going to tell me about his awareness of the CRTC mandate and policies.
4:10 p.m.
Vice-Chair (Appointee), Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
Was there a specific question there?
4:10 p.m.
Liberal
Bonnie Crombie Liberal Mississauga—Streetsville, ON
Certainly. Why don't we talk about your vision of foreign ownership in the telecommunications industry.
4:10 p.m.
Vice-Chair (Appointee), Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
The problem with discussing things of that nature is that most of the issues the CRTC faces currently are either before the tribunals or will be the subject of hearings in the upcoming months.
4:10 p.m.
Liberal
Bonnie Crombie Liberal Mississauga—Streetsville, ON
How about your views on the CBC's five-year plan?
4:10 p.m.
Vice-Chair (Appointee), Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
If you might allow me, I don't want to be in a situation of having to recuse myself repetitively over the next few months.
4:10 p.m.
Liberal
Bonnie Crombie Liberal Mississauga—Streetsville, ON
I am trying to establish whether you have an understanding of the issues before the CRTC and what your knowledge of the issues you will face and deal with is.
Why don't you tell us your views on the CBC's five-year plan, if you can, please?
4:10 p.m.
Vice-Chair (Appointee), Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
Well, we're going to get a five-year plan in September. And when we get the five-year plan, we're going to study it. We're going to look at it carefully, and we're going to see if it is, and what elements of that plan are, in the best interests of Canadian public broadcasting.
CBC has a rich and storied history, and there is going to be a role for good broadcasting in Canada. The question is to find out what form that role will take.
4:10 p.m.
Liberal
Bonnie Crombie Liberal Mississauga—Streetsville, ON
Have you followed this committee's work with respect to vertical integration in the telecommunications industry?