Evidence of meeting #4 for Canadian Heritage in the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was content.

A video is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

Members speaking

Before the committee

Eatrides  Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
Shortliffe  Vice-President, Broadcasting, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
Hutton  Vice-President, Consumer, Analytics and Strategy, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

Martin Champoux Bloc Drummond, QC

This is a good opportunity to make these observations, as other bills may be examined, including on artificial intelligence, which, as has been said, will be an element of major change in the industry.

We could do things differently and would certainly be very open to your suggestions on how to introduce such important bills that are likely to generate as much feedback, as many briefs and as many hearings as Bill C‑11 has.

I don't want to say this in a negative way, but do you think the CRTC has the resources it needs to regulate the industry right now? The industry is evolving as a result of all the technological changes, all the new ways of consuming culture, among other things, but also information.

Do you feel that you still have what you need to deal with all those changes?

Would you like to undertake a reform of the CRTC's operating method to be more agile, perhaps, precisely at times when so many regulations need to be put in place?

6:30 p.m.

Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

Vicky Eatrides

Thank you for your question.

Internal changes are constantly taking place.

As a quasi-judicial tribunal, we still have the formal processes to study bills and put regulations in place. That's our role.

It's really important to prioritize this work, and that's what we've done. Internally, we have a team of experts on a host of topics. Nine CRTC members from across Canada bring their very diverse experience to the table. We have a good team. We also always have very different perspectives, as our consultations are for everyone.

6:30 p.m.

Conservative

Rachael Thomas Conservative Lethbridge, AB

That's time.

6:30 p.m.

Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

Vicky Eatrides

So my answer is “yes”. Thank you.

6:30 p.m.

Conservative

Rachael Thomas Conservative Lethbridge, AB

I'll take this opportunity to thank each of you for coming today and bearing testimony to the CRTC and the implementation of Bill C-11.

At this point in time, I'm going to say goodbye to you and pause the meeting for one moment. We have to do some quick committee business. It will take one minute or less. I'll suspend for just a minute.

Rachael Thomas Conservative Lethbridge, AB

All right, colleagues, this should only take a moment. We need to approve a couple of funding things. We have two operational budgets for two studies. One is for $500 for our meeting on the implementation of the Online Streaming Act—today's meeting—and one is for $30,500 for our upcoming study on the effects of technological advances in AI on the creative industries. Both budgets were emailed to you earlier, I believe. You should have a copy of them in your inbox.

I will ask for a mover for the first budget, which is for the $500. Can I have a mover?

Bienvenu-Olivier Ntumba Liberal Mont-Saint-Bruno—L’Acadie, QC

I so move.

The Chair

Perfect. I will look for any dissent in the room.

6:30 p.m.

Conservative

Rachael Thomas Conservative Lethbridge, AB

Mr. Champoux, go ahead.

Martin Champoux Bloc Drummond, QC

I have a quick question.

Are we discussing a $500 budget for today's meeting, for meal expenses?

The Clerk of the Committee Jean-François Pagé

For food, the costs will surely be less than $500, as there are no witness expenses.

Martin Champoux Bloc Drummond, QC

Yes. I was wondering because we're adopting a budget of $500, when there was essentially—

6:30 p.m.

Conservative

Rachael Thomas Conservative Lethbridge, AB

I'll call the question. Is there agreement?

Some hon. members

Agreed.

6:30 p.m.

Conservative

Rachael Thomas Conservative Lethbridge, AB

I would look for a mover for the spend of $30,500 for the upcoming study on AI.

Some hon. members

Agreed.

6:30 p.m.

Conservative

Rachael Thomas Conservative Lethbridge, AB

I will take this opportunity to remind everyone that we have our next committee meeting on Monday, October 6, and we will begin our study on AI and its impact on the creative sector. Come prepared for that.

I will not be in this chair either. I believe your real chair will be returning.

David Myles Liberal Fredericton—Oromocto, NB

You did great.

6:35 p.m.

Conservative

Rachael Thomas Conservative Lethbridge, AB

Enjoy your evening, folks. Thank you. Good night.