Request for more time: Getting C-11 right for Canadians

12 groups sign a joint request for an extension on C-11 consultations

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) recently announced three consultations, inviting public input on the implementation of Bill C-11. In response, OpenMedia has joined twelve key stakeholders, including supporters and critics of the Bill, to file a joint request demanding an extension on the consultations due to insufficient time for meaningful engagement.

Extending the deadlines for the CRTC consultations is essential to ensure fairness and equity among all participants. It gives organizations and individuals the necessary time to develop well-researched arguments and contribute effectively to the consultations. For OpenMedia, it will be the difference between giving our community the time and tools to participate fully and share individual thoughts, and a rushed and incomplete process. You can read the full request here. 

The requests are based on the following: 

Interconnectedness: The three consultation proceedings are closely linked, and groups need sufficient time to develop a coherent framework that addresses all three. Setting the same intervention and reply deadlines for all proceedings would facilitate a better understanding of the process and allow for more cohesive submissions.

Consultation and Research: The current deadlines don’t provide enough time for organizations to consult their members, conduct research, and gather necessary evidence, resulting in a weaker record of the proceedings that doesn’t truly capture what Canadians think about implementing the Bill.

Uncertainty without Policy Direction: The groups question the logic of these consultations before a policy direction from the Cabinet has been issued. Any potential recommendations participating groups propose during the consultation may need to be revised based on the new guidelines.

Proposed Revised Deadlines:

Interventions: Extended to July 28, 2023

Replies: Extended to September 1, 2023

Final Replies: Extended to September 15, 2023

Public Hearing: No change, scheduled for November 20, 2023

By granting deadline extensions, the letter’s signatories hope the CRTC can foster a regulatory framework for Bill C-11 on the side of Canadians. The Commission can receive comprehensive submissions, review and analyze input, and make informed decisions. This extension will also allow for further consideration of any policy direction from the Cabinet. You can read the full request here.

Signatories: 

Canadian Broadcast Museum Foundation (CBMF)

Digital First Canada

Forum for Research and Policy in Communications (FRPC)

FRIENDS/Les AMIS, National Campus and Community Radio Association (NCRA/ANREC)

OpenMedia

Public Broadcasting for the 21st Century (PBC21/DPC21)

Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC)

Samuelson-Glushko Canadian Internet Policy & Public Interest Clinic (CIPPIC)

Quebec English-language Production Council (QEPC)

Conseil provinciale du secteur des communications du syndicat canadien de la fonction publique (SCFP) 

Unifor