Canadian Heritage Committee on April 23rd, 2021

[Thomas Owen Ripley]

Thank you for that question, Mr. Champoux.

We've made two comments on that point.

First, if an undertaking fails to meet its obligation to contribute to the system, the CRTC currently has authority to revoke its licence. However, we know perfectly well that, in the current circumstances, the mere possibility of revoking a licence isn't a very balanced way of taking action against undertakings that fail to comply with the act. That's why Bill C-10 would grant the CRTC authority to assess administrative monetary penalties. The CRTC could therefore impose such penalties if an undertaking failed to discharge its obligations.

As regards the registration system, Bill C-10 would grant the CRTC regulatory authority to ensure that undertakings register with it. That's provided for under proposed paragraph 10(1)(i), if I'm not mistaken. It's provided that the CRTC would have that power for the reasons you mentioned.

[The Chair, Liberal, Scott Simms]

Thank you.

Before I go to Mr. Shields, I just want to give notice to everyone that this will be the last one we'll deal with today, as we are now closing in on that magic time when we have to cease.

Mr. Shields.

[Martin Shields, Conservative, Bow River, AB]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I appreciate the department's discussion of this particular piece. The understanding is that there is just a renewal process of a specific spectrum.

Let's get back to the idea of the licence that they may have had. During those seven years, were there times that you can tell us about that the CRTC would revoke a licence rather than wait for the seven-year automatic review of a licence.

Are they using that power now whereby they can revoke it? On what basis would it have been brought to them to consider doing so?

[Drew Olsen]

Thank you, Mr. Shields, for the question.

The CRTC rarely revokes a licence. It would do it for reasons of non-compliance.

The most recent case I remember was not that long ago. A radio station near Montreal. CJMS Saint-Constant had its licence revoked following a public hearing, and it was over repeated instances of non-compliance. The commission also revoked some licences for Aboriginal Voices Radio when it felt that over a period of more than a decade, there had been repeated non-compliance.

The commission has in the past, then, used this power, but it has been used fairly sparingly. Most licences are renewed.

[The Chair, Liberal, Scott Simms]

Is there any further conversation on amendment PV-18?

Mr. Waugh.

[Kevin Waugh, Conservative, Saskatoon—Grasswood, SK]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

During the testimony of the CRTC, the chairman, Mr. Scott, mentioned that he'd like to go to the Treasury Board to get more money if this bill passes, as they're going to need more resources.

I am concerned with the extra workload put upon the CRTC. I can see why they do not want a seven-year window for licence renewal. At the same time, I have witnessed in my 40-plus years of broadcasting that many stations coast to coast violate, almost in year two or year three of the agreement, certain conditions of their broadcasting licence.

I am a little concerned about this. I just want to point out that CRTC does not follow up, in my estimation. Once they stamp the licence of a station, very rarely do they ever follow up to see whether the station is actually going by the guidelines of their broadcasting licence.

[The Chair, Liberal, Scott Simms]

Do we have any further conversation on proposed amendment PV-18 as moved?

Mr. Manly.

[Paul Manly, Green, Nanaimo—Ladysmith, BC]

Yes. I want to second what Mr. Waugh has said. The review process is when you have to document everything for the CRTC and actually prove that you have done what the licence requires you to do. Otherwise, you're in a complaint-driven process in which complaints might or might not be heard, but there is no comprehensive review of whether broadcasters are actually following through on what they said they would do.

[The Chair, Liberal, Scott Simms]

Thank you, Mr. Manly.

Am I seeing anyone else for debate or conversation?

Seeing no one, we're now going to proceed to a vote on amendment PV-18.

[Julie Dabrusin, Liberal, Toronto—Danforth, ON]

Can we negative it on division?

(Amendment negatived on division [See Minutes of Proceedings])

[The Chair, Liberal, Scott Simms]

That brings us to a conclusion for today. I know you're sad, but don't be sad. We'll all be back again on Monday, all fresh to go at it again.

When we do, incidentally, we will be doing amendment BQ-15(N), and “N” of course signifies that it's a newer version of BQ-15. BQ-15(N), then, is what you're looking for and what we will start with.

Seeing no other conversations....

Does anyone want a parting remark?

[Martin Shields, Conservative, Bow River, AB]

Have a good weekend.

[The Chair, Liberal, Scott Simms]

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, have a good weekend.

Goodbye.