Canadian Heritage Committee on Nov. 23rd, 2023

[Martin Shields, Conservative, Bow River, AB]

What does “if needed” mean?

[Scott Shortliffe]

“If needed”, in this case, means we have a broad mandate to look at the broadcasting system in Canada. We're at the front end of this. There was a question raised about whether podcasting impacts the broadcasting system in Canada. We have no specific questions about it right now. We've preserved the ability to contact large companies that distribute podcasts in the future if needed.

I don't see this as particularly controversial to say that there are elements of the broadcasting system that we need to be in touch with if we develop policies. We have no policies regarding podcasts on the table at the moment.

[Martin Shields, Conservative, Bow River, AB]

You're saying “if needed”.

[Scott Shortliffe]

Yes, absolutely. We're a quasi-judicial tribunal, and I can't speak to a theoretical for the future—

[Martin Shields, Conservative, Bow River, AB]

But you're setting it up for that as a registration, basically, because you're saying that “if needed” we will need your contact information.

[Scott Shortliffe]

Yes.

[Martin Shields, Conservative, Bow River, AB]

Thank you. I appreciate that.

One of the things you said is that you're collecting information on what is community, Canadian attitudes, opinions, ideas and values. Is that right?

You're collecting information, and the documentation says that's what you're collecting information about.

[Vicky Eatrides]

I'm sorry. I don't know what you're referring to.

[Martin Shields, Conservative, Bow River, AB]

When you're out there engaging, you're looking for Canadian values. What are Canadians...in podcasting?

[Scott Shortliffe]

My apologies—I'm not sure which document you are referring to.

If you're referring to the registration consultation as a whole, we could address that, but I apologize, I'm not aware of the context of your question.

[Martin Shields, Conservative, Bow River, AB]

Okay, I'll move to the next one.

You're talking about connectivity and the words “to the last community”. It's a phrase I've heard today, getting it to the last community.

[Vicky Eatrides]

That's not a phrase that I use.

[Martin Shields, Conservative, Bow River, AB]

I heard one of you talking about getting the Internet connected to the last community.

[Vicky Eatrides]

Was that to remote, rural and indigenous communities?

[Martin Shields, Conservative, Bow River, AB]

It's to the last community. To the last farm gate is where it needs to be.

I'm going to turn the time over to my colleague.

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

There are 25 seconds for Mrs. Thomas.

[Rachael Thomas, Conservative, Lethbridge, AB]

Thank you, Chair.

At this point in time I'll be moving a motion.

Of course, those around this committee table understand that there's only so much time when we are in public and when we have the opportunity to move a motion that we feel is of great importance.

As other parties have done, I will take this opportunity. I recognize that we have a witness here, so I'm happy to move the motion, make a statement and then we can move to a vote quickly, if we wish.

The motion is as follows—

[Peter Julian, NDP, New Westminster—Burnaby, BC]

I have a point of order, Madam Chair.

Last time the CRTC was here, we had a filibuster from the Conservatives that blocked the CRTC from testifying for over an hour—

[Rachael Thomas, Conservative, Lethbridge, AB]

This isn't a point of order.

[Peter Julian, NDP, New Westminster—Burnaby, BC]

—and this time we have another hour with the CRTC—

[Rachael Thomas, Conservative, Lethbridge, AB]

On a point of order....

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

I must listen to what the member is saying before I can rule on whether it's a point of order or not.

[Rachael Thomas, Conservative, Lethbridge, AB]

Are you yelling at me?

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

No, I am just trying to speak over you because you continue to speak.

Mr. Julian has the floor. He has a point of order.

[Rachael Thomas, Conservative, Lethbridge, AB]

As do I.