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About the CRTC

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is an independent public organization that regulates and supervises the Canadian broadcasting and telecommunications systems.

The CRTC does not regulate newspapers, magazines, cell phone rates, the quality of service and business practices of cell phone companies, or the quality and content of TV and radio programs.

As an independent organization, the CRTC works to serve the needs and interests of citizens, industries, interest groups and the government.

The CRTC reports to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

Mandate

The CRTC’s mandate is to ensure that both the broadcasting and telecommunications systems serve the Canadian public. The CRTC uses the objectives in the Broadcasting Act and the Telecommunications Act to guide its policy decisions.

Mission

The CRTC seeks to ensure that Canadians have access to a world-class communication system.

Broadcasting

In broadcasting, the CRTC ensures that all Canadians have access to a wide variety of high-quality Canadian programming as well as access to employment opportunities in the broadcasting system. Programming in the Canadian broadcasting system should reflect Canadian creativity and talent, our bilingual nature, our multicultural diversity and the special place of aboriginal peoples in our society.

Telecommunications

In telecommunications, the CRTC ensures that Canadians receive reliable telephone and other telecommunications services, at affordable prices.

But the CRTC’s role in telecommunications is evolving. In many telecom markets, several consumer choices are available. This natural competition results in better prices and packages for consumers. In these cases, CRTC allows competition, not regulations, to drive the market. The CRTC regulates only where the market doesn’t meet the objectives of the Telecommunications Act.

Activities

The CRTC supervises and regulates over 2000 broadcasters, including TV, AM and FM radio and the companies that bring these services to you. We also regulate telecommunications carriers including major telephone companies. This role involves:

• issuing, renewing and amending broadcasting licences
• making decisions on mergers, acquisitions and changes of ownership in broadcasting
• approving tariffs and certain agreements for the telecommunications industry
• issuing licences for international telecommunications services, whose networks allow telephone users to make and receive calls outside Canadian borders
• encouraging competition in telecommunications markets
• responding to requests for information and concerns about broadcasting and telecommunications issues

We also hold public hearings, round-table discussions and informal forums to gather your input on broadcasting and telecommunications concerns.

Convergence – where broadcasting and telecom technologies come together to create new products and services – has made international communication more important.

The CRTC initiates regular meetings with our international counterparts in 25 other countries to discuss new technologies and new market arrangements. The CRTC’s experience with both broadcasting and telecom puts us in the unique position of being able to help other regulators in the international community.