With respect to the proposed wording to replace paragraph 3(1)(a) of the Broadcasting Act, CUPE-Quebec suggests an amendment to clarify what the Canadian broadcasting system is in the context of an open market on the Internet and, ultimately, to avoid the sale of Canadian broadcasting undertakings to foreign interests. The current proposed wording creates uncertainty by distinguishing between the Canadian broadcasting system and foreign broadcasting undertakings. We propose a description based on operation in Canada to make clear the legislative intent.
In addition, the CRTC's mandate and accountability should be strengthened with respect to the flagship objectives of Canadian broadcasting policy. In section 3(1) of the Broadcasting Act, these objectives are distinguished from the others by their use of the present tense, which places their achievement at the forefront of the CRTC's responsibilities. These objectives include Canadian ownership and control of broadcasting undertakings, Canadian programming, employment in the Canadian broadcasting system, and the provision of broadcasting services in English and French to all Canadians.
With respect to section 5 of the Broadcasting Act, we propose the production of an annual report to strengthen the commission's oversight and accountability for its primary objectives.
Finally, we suggest an expansion of the CRTC's regulatory authority over the funding of local news and community television; a strengthening of the Canadian broadcasting policy with respect to employment in Canada; a change to the definition of the community element; and a provision allowing the CRTC to review the rates of online undertakings distributing programming, in order to establish regulatory symmetry with traditional distribution undertakings.
Thank you for your attention.