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Our Leadership

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Contact information for our leadership

The Commission consists of a Chairperson, two Vice-Chairpersons, and up to 10 regional Commissioners.

The Chairperson sets the agenda for and presides over Commission meetings. The Chairperson also serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Commission. With the support of the Secretary General, the Senior Legal Counsel, and Senior Management, the Chairperson oversees the operations of the organization and directs the work of Commission staff.

The two Vice-Chairpersons focus on the activities of the broadcasting and telecommunications sectors. The regional Commissioners bring the views of their respective provinces and territories to the CRTC. Commissioners are entitled to vote at Commission meetings and participate in the decision making process. Commissioners are appointed by the Governor in Council for a term of five years.

The Secretary General supports the CRTC’s operational activities and reports directly to the Chairperson. Under the Lobbying Act, the Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons, Secretary General, Senior General Counsel and Chief of Consumer, Research and Communications are designated public office holders.

Senior Management is responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing the operations of their respective sectors and advising the Commission accordingly.

Chairperson, Vice-Chairs and Commissioners

Photo: Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer - Ian ScottView Bio: Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer - Ian Scott

Ian Scott

Chairperson and
Chief Executive Officer

Photo: Vice-Chairperson, Broadcasting - Dr. Caroline J. SimardView Bio: Vice-Chairperson, Broadcasting - Dr. Caroline J. Simard

Dr. Caroline J. Simard

Vice-Chairperson,
Broadcasting

Photo: Vice-Chairperson, Telecommunications - Christianne LaiznerView Bio: Vice-Chairperson, Telecommunications - Christianne Laizner

Christianne Laizner

Vice-Chairperson,
Telecommunications

Photo: Commissioner, Atlantic Region and Nunavut - Christopher MacDonaldView Bio: Commissioner, Atlantic Region and Nunavut - Christopher MacDonald

Christopher MacDonald

Commissioner,
Atlantic Region and Nunavut

Photo: Commissioner, Quebec - Alicia BarinView Bio: Commissioner, Quebec - Alicia Barin

Alicia Barin

Commissioner,
Quebec

Photo: Commissioner, Ontario - Monique LafontaineView Bio: Commissioner, Ontario - Monique Lafontaine

Monique Lafontaine

Commissioner,
Ontario

Photo: Commissioner, Manitoba and Saskatchewan - Joanne T. LevyView Bio: Commissioner, Manitoba and Saskatchewan - Joanne T. Levy

Joanne T. Levy

Commissioner,
Manitoba and Saskatchewan

Photo: Commissioner, Alberta and the Northwest Territories - Dr. Linda VennardView Bio: Commissioner, Alberta and the Northwest Territories - Dr. Linda Vennard

Dr. Linda Vennard

Commissioner, Alberta and
the Northwest Territories

Photo: Commissioner, British Columbia and Yukon - Vacant

Vacant

Commissioner,
British Columbia and Yukon

Senior Management

Photo: Executive Director, Broadcasting - Scott ShortliffeView Bio: Executive Director, Broadcasting - Scott Shortliffe

Scott Shortliffe

Executive Director,
Broadcasting

Photo: Chief Compliance and Enforcement Officer - Steven HarrounView Bio: Chief Compliance and Enforcement Officer - Steven Harroun

Steven Harroun

Chief Compliance and Enforcement Officer
 

Photo: Chief of Consumer, Research and Communications - Scott HuttonView Bio: Chief of Consumer, Research and Communications - Scott Hutton

Scott Hutton

Chief of Consumer,
Research and Communications

Photo: Executive Director, Telecommunications - Chris SeidlView Bio: Executive Director, Telecommunications - Chris Seidl

Chris Seidl

Executive Director,
Telecommunications

Photo: Secretary General - Claude DoucetView Bio: Secretary General - Claude Doucet

Claude Doucet

Secretary General

Photo: Senior General Counsel - Stephen MillingtonView Bio: Secretary General - Stephen Millington

Stephen Millington

Senior General Counsel

Ian Scott's Bio

Photo: Ian Scott

“Put simply, our role is to regulate in the public interest, to ensure that Canadians have access to a world-class communications system.

As Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Ian Scott supervises and directs the work and staff of the Commission. He also chairs Commission meetings and participates in public hearings and consultations.

Ian has over 25 years of policy and regulatory experience in broadcasting and telecommunications both in the public and private sectors.

After working at the Competition Bureau, he joined the CRTC from 1990 to 1994, where he collaborated on the development of a framework for long-distance telephone service competition in Canada. Between 2007 and 2008, as part of the Executive Interchange Program, he was Senior Policy Advisor to the Chairman at the CRTC.

Before rejoining the CRTC in 2017, Ian held various executive positions in the communications industry, including at Telesat Canada, Telus and Call-Net Enterprises, one of the first companies to offer competition in the Canadian long-distance market. He also provided leadership on broadcasting policy and regulatory issues as an executive at the Canadian Cable Television Association.

Ian has served on various boards, including Women in Communications and Technology and Ski Quebec Alpin.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, McGill University

Term: Ends September 4, 2022

Christianne Laizner

Photo: Christianne Laizner

“All Canadians regardless of their postal code need access to robust, scalable and high-quality voice and broadband Internet on fixed and mobile wireless networks – our lives and livelihoods depend on it.

As Vice-Chair of Telecommunications, Christianne chairs the Telecommunications Committee meetings. She also participates in public hearings and consultations with the objective of developing regulations and establishing policies in both the telecommunications and broadcasting sector.

Christianne has served as the CRTC’s Senior General Counsel and Executive Director of the Legal Sector (2013 to 2017), as well as the CRTC’s General Counsel for telecommunications (2010 to 2012).

Christianne began her career in private law practice, then joined the Department of Justice as a civil litigator in 1987. She later joined the Trade Negotiations Office as counsel to the Department of Foreign Affairs (now Global Affairs Canada), where she participated in negotiations and provided legal advice on dispute settlement provisions of the Canada – U.S. Free Trade Agreement and the North American Free Trade Agreement.

From 1997 to 2007, Christianne co-managed the Litigation and Procurement Review Practice Group at Public Works and Government Services (now Public Services and Procurement Canada) and defended major Crown project procurement before the Canadian International Trade Tribunal. In 2007, she was appointed General Counsel and Executive Director of the Canadian International Development Agency’s Legal Services Branch.

Education

  • Bachelor of Laws, Western University
  • Bachelor of Arts (Hons), McGill University
  • Member of Ontario Bar since 1982

Term: Ends July 17, 2023

Dr. Caroline J. Simard

Photo: Dr. Caroline J. Simard

“Communications regulators around the world have to deal with powerful economic, technical, social and cultural forces in serving the public interest. In this age of major structural change, I want to contribute to the best of my ability in helping the CRTC to stay on course and develop exemplary regulatory practices that channel these forces towards a common objective: giving Canadians a communication system in keeping with the popular imagination.

As Vice-Chair of Broadcasting, Caroline chairs Broadcasting Committee meetings. She also participates in consultations and public hearings with the objective of developing regulations and establishing policies in the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors.

Sworn in as a lawyer in 1994, Caroline has over twenty years of experience in local, national and international communications, in both the public and private sectors. She has worked with all applicable Canadian legislation and international treaties in the field of communications and has developed a profound understanding of the legal, economic, political, technical and social issues related to convergence and competition challenges.

Before joining the CRTC, Caroline spent a decade as legal advisor for the Department of Justice with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s Legal Services. In addition, she was senior telecommunications specialist for the International Telecommunication Union, a United Nations agency. She also worked for a large firm (Teleglobe), small independent companies in Quebec and another group of SMEs. In the public sector, she worked for the Quebec government and at various universities in Montreal.

Caroline was a lecturer in the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa and at the International Seminar on the Information Society, Human Rights and Human Dignity at McGill University.

Education

  • Certificate in Communications (30 credits), University of Quebec at Montreal
  • Bachelor of Law, University of Montreal
  • Master of International Law, University of Quebec at Montreal
  • PhD in Law, McGill University

Term: Ends on September 10, 2022

Joanne T. Levy
Commissioner, Manitoba and Saskatchewan

Photo: Joanne T. Levy

“There has never been a more exciting time to serve at the CRTC. In collaboration with my fellow Commissioners and our expert staff we are poised to ensure all Canadians everywhere can create, contribute and consume content in a communication system at the leading edge of innovation.“

Joanne brings over 40 years of communications experience to the role of Commissioner, with expertise in the broadcast and production industries.

In her career she has worked as a television journalist for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, formed an independent production company, and served in senior leadership roles in broadcasting. As Executive Director of the A-Channel Production Fund and then Director of Programming for the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN), Joanne led teams to commission hundreds of hours of programming in all formats and genres.

Joanne has mentored emerging producers and advocated for Canadian creative talent from regional centres. She served as Chair of On Screen Manitoba, a National Director for Women in Communications and Technology and on the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council.

Education: Bachelor of Arts (Honours), University of Saskatchewan

Term: Ends July 2, 2023

Monique Lafontaine

Photo: Monique Lafontaine

“I find it very inspiring to contribute to Canada’s communications and content production industries and to enhancing the security and well-being of Canadians.

Monique Lafontaine has some 20 years of experience in communications and entertainment law as a lawyer and media executive. She has worked in television and radio broadcasting, digital media, program licensing, distribution as well as anti-spam and privacy legislation.

In the past, Monique worked as a General Counsel and Vice-President/Director of Regulatory Affairs for independent broadcasters and for a national association of content creators. She has also worked as counsel and associate with the law firm of McCarthy Tétrault and as a policy analyst for the CRTC.

Monique has been a member of many boards of directors including MediaSmarts, the Coalition for Cultural Diversity and MusicFest Canada. She also took part in the CRTC’s Described Video Working Group and Telefilm Canada’s working group on the Canada Feature Film Fund.

She has been a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada since 1994.

Education

  • Masters of Law, York University, Osgoode Hall Law School
  • Bachelor of Law, University of Ottawa
  • Bachelor in Business Administration, University of Ottawa

Term: Ends on January 2, 2023.

Vacant

Photo: Vacant

Alicia Barin

Photo: Alicia Barin

“At the core of our mandate is ensuring that the communications system meets Canadians’ evolving social and economic needs, while reflecting our rich cultural, linguistic and geographic diversity.

With over 20 years of experience in the Canadian media industry, Alicia has developed expertise in the fields of strategic planning, policy and regulatory affairs.

From 2000 to 2013, she served as the Vice-President of Strategic Planning at Astral Media. She had direct input in most major operational and regulatory initiatives, the launch of new services and corporate acquisitions.

In particular, Alicia successfully led the start-up of new pay and specialty channels and helped establish new business models for multi-platform television services as well as the coordination of Canadian content program and investment spending. During her time with Astral Media, she provided strategic planning support across the entire company.

Since 2013, she has worked in corporate affairs for a project management firm as well as an architecture firm to grow these businesses as they served a variety of private and public-sector clients.

Education

  • Bachelor of Laws, McGill University
  • Honours Business Administration, Western University

Term: Ends August 11, 2024.

Dr. Linda Vennard

Photo: Dr. Linda Vennard

“I am most inspired by the CRTC’s dedication to public consultation and engagement. Canadians want and need to participate by contributing their perspectives on important issues that impact their lives. Having different positions on the public record ensures that we can make decisions that are in the public interest. Every perspective matters.

As Commissioner for Alberta and the Northwest Territories, Linda participates in public hearings and consultations with the objective of developing regulations and establishing policies in both the telecommunications and broadcasting sector.

Linda is a Professor who specializes in the social context of science and technology, focused particularly on advanced communication technologies and digitization. From 2000 to 2015, she was a faculty member of the University of Calgary’s Department of Communication and Culture, teaching in the areas of research methodologies, mass media and media studies, cultural industries, and public relations. Her research has focused mainly on broadband deployment and community engagement, as well as national security and advanced technologies. She has also conducted research on the ethical and societal impacts of the adoption of science and technology.

In the context of her research, Linda was Senior Research Associate in the SuperNet Research Alliance (SNRA), a major multi-university collaborative project that studied the uptake and impact of broadband in rural and remote Alberta communities. She sat on the University of Calgary's Conjoint Faculties Research Ethics Board (CFREB) for six years.

Education

  • Bachelor of Science, University of Calgary
  • Masters of Arts, University of Calgary
  • PhD, University of Calgary

Term: Ends May 10, 2020.

Christopher MacDonald

Photo: Christopher MacDonald

“I was born and raised in a small village in Atlantic Canada and understand how a lack of connectivity affects our lives. Canadians need reliable and affordable communications services and that has been my focus since joining the Commission.

As Commissioner for the Atlantic Region and Nunavut, Christopher participates in public hearings and consultations with the objective of developing regulations and establishing policies in both the telecommunications and broadcasting sector.

Christopher offers extensive experience in the telecommunications industry in Atlantic Canada and deep knowledge of the telecommunications sector.

Prior to his appointment to the CRTC, Christopher served as a sales executive and manager with Rogers Communications Inc., including as Senior Manager of Sales and Business Development for Atlantic Canada. In these roles, he managed relationships with the company’s clients and with local telecommunications providers. From 2001 to 2005, he held various roles within the Office of the Premier of New Brunswick, including Executive Assistant to the Premier.

An active supporter of youth and entrepreneurs, Christopher is the Provincial Treasurer of Junior Achievement New Brunswick and a member of the Board of Governors of its Business Hall of Fame. He is also a past director of Partners for Youth and the York Care Centre.

Education

  • Bachelor of Business Administration, University of New Brunswick
  • Master of Business Administration, University of New Brunswick

Term: Ends June 16, 2020.

Scott Shortliffe

Photo: Scott Shortliffe

“Broadcasting in Canada touches every citizen’s life. I am honoured to represent a talented group of dedicated public servants who ensures our broadcasting system continues to provide the tools Canadians need to support our democracy and to help us be citizens of the world.

As Executive Director of Broadcasting, Scott works with a diverse and talented group to provide Canadians with a wide range of Canadian programming that displays Canadian talent and serves the interests of Canadians across the country. This includes analyzing emerging trends in broadcasting, providing solutions to Canadian broadcasters and distributors, and working with all part of the Commission.

Scott joined the CRTC in 2017 as Chief Consumer Officer. In this role, he served as a focal point in ensuring that the interests and concerns of consumers are considered in the Commission’s decision making.

Before joining the Commission, Scott spent 23 years at the Department of Canadian Heritage, including as Deputy Director General of Broadcasting and Digital Communications. As an executive, his duties included creating the Canada Periodical Fund and managing $75 million in grants and contributions, dealing with complex and sensitive ownership and control issues, advising senior officials and Ministers on issues related to CBC/Radio-Canada policy issues, the Canada Media Fund, and petitions to Cabinet of CRTC broadcasting licence decisions. From 2011 to 2017, Scott was an observer on the Board of Women in Communications and Technology Canada (WCT) and the Canadian Heritage champion for the Jeanne Sauvé Professional Development Program.

Education

  • Bachelors of History, Carleton University

Steven Harroun

Photo: Steven Harroun

“As Chief Compliance and Enforcement Officer, I hope to contribute to a safer and more secure online marketplace for Canadians and businesses alike.

Steven was appointed Chief Compliance and Enforcement Officer (CCEO) at the CRTC in November 2016. He is responsible for the enforcement of the Unsolicited Telecommunication Rules, Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation, and the Voter Contact Registry.

As the CCEO, Steven’s leadership approach is to promote compliance with the applicable legislation and regulations through education and outreach and, when necessary, encourage and enforce compliance through both traditional and innovative approaches.

Steven joined Canada’s converged communications regulator in 2002 and has developed his expertise in both broadcasting and telecommunications through various positions of increasing responsibility. As Director General, Strategic Policy from 2012-2016, Steven led the development and implementation of key Commission policies, including the Wireless Code of Conduct, Video Relay Service, and Broadband Performance Measurement, through his leadership of the Social and Consumer Policy, Network Technology and Strategic Policy and International Affairs teams.

Steven began his federal public service career in 1999 with the Canada Revenue Agency, following several years in the private sector.

Education

  • Bachelor of Business Administration Degree (accounting and management double major), Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Scott Hutton

Photo: Scott Hutton

“I look forward to working in the interest of Canadians and ensuring everyone can connect to high-quality, accessible and innovative communication services at affordable prices.

As Chief of Consumer, Research and Communications, Scott is responsible for the formulation of the CRTC’s consumer and social policies. He also directs communications strategies and oversees the international branch, while providing technical and economic support to the Commission.

Scott brings to this role over 25 years of experience at the CRTC and has extensive knowledge of both the broadcasting and telecommunications sectors. He is a seasoned expert of the communications industry and the regulatory environment.

Scott leads the Commission’s work by engaging in a conversation with Canadians, key stakeholders and industry leaders, and partners with other government departments, moving along the road of legislative and regulatory reform, striving to meet the needs of Canadians in the digital era.

Scott has been CRTC’s Official Languages Champion, Employment Equity Champion and has led a number of Government Workplace Charitable Campaigns for the Commission.

Education

  • Honour’s bachelor of Commerce, University of Ottawa

Chris Seidl

Photo: Chris Seidl

“Every day, it’s a pleasure to contribute to improving the lives of Canadians by fostering a communications system that enables them to achieve great things.

As the Executive Director of Telecommunications, Chris leads most telecommunications regulatory activities at the CRTC.

Chris has over thirty years of experience in the telecommunications industry, including over 16 years of regulatory experience in various leadership roles at the CRTC. He has led the policy development for key regulatory areas including universal broadband access, competition, net neutrality, digital media and emergency services.

Prior to joining the CRTC, Chris worked in the private sector, including fourteen years in various engineering and management positions for Nortel Networks. He also has experience as a corporate consultant and executive coach specializing in leadership skills and change management.

Chris’ strong leadership skillset lead him to join the CRTC in 2003, where he has held various roles including Director of Telecommunications Policy, Director of New Media & Technology and Director General of Convergence Policy before becoming Executive Director of Telecommunications in 2012.

Education

  • Bachelor of Engineering, Carleton University

Claude Doucet

Photo: Claude Doucet

“Creating a work environment where diversity, creativity and innovation are at the forefront is critical to support Commissioners in their policy and regulatory deliberations. It is also what enables the Commission to maintain its position as a world-class regulator.

Claude Doucet is an accomplished senior public servant with over 20 years of experience in communications and policy development.

At Canadian Heritage, he played a key role in promoting major events and planning the communications for these events, which included the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the 2015 Pan-American Games and royal tours. He also played a major role in developing broadcasting policy and petitions to the Governor in Council.

From 1996 to 2004, Claude held a number of positions of increasing responsibility at the CRTC in broadcasting and regulation. He returned to the CRTC in 2015, as Executive Director, Communications and External Relations.

Moreover, from 2009 to 2015, he was an observer on the board of directors of MediaSmarts, a Canadian charitable organization that promotes media and digital literacy. He has also been an Ottawa Hospital governor since 2016, and Chair of the communications and engagement committee.

Education

  • Bachelor of Commerce (Finance), Laurentian University
  • Chartered Professional Accountant, Certified General Accountant (CPA, CGA)

Stephen Millington

Photo: Stephen Millington

“I consider myself extraordinarily fortunate to have worked in such a fascinating industry over the last 30 years. From working on major telecom projects and ventures around the world, to running a multimillion dollar Mergers & Acquisitions program for a Canadian telecom startup, I have been afforded amazing opportunities that few industries offer. As a member of the Legal Sector at the Commission for the last 15 years, I have found the pace of innovation and creativity in the communications sector to be unparalleled. As the Commission moves forward over the coming years, to tackle the increasing complexities of our ever more connected world, I am thrilled to be able to play a role in serving Canadians as they face these challenges.

Stephen is Senior General Counsel and Executive Director of Legal Services.

Stephen joined the CRTC as legal counsel in 2003. Over the course of his career at the Commission, Stephen has worked exclusively in the legal directorate and was appointed Senior Legal Counsel in 2009 and held the position of Team Lead Consumer Affairs and Strategic Policy from 2009 to 2017, when he was appointed to his current position.

As Team Lead in Consumer Affairs and Strategic Policy, he worked on files specializing in ownership transactions relating to both the telecom and broadcasting sectors. He was the lead counsel for the Commission on a number of key ownership proceedings including BCE acquisition of CTV and the review of Globalive Wireless.

Prior to joining the CRTC, Stephen held a number of executive positions in the telecommunications industry including Senior Legal Counsel at Bell Canada International, Vice-President Alliances at Bell Canada, Vice President Mergers and Acquisitions at MetroNet Communications and AT&T Canada.

Stephen is a graduate of the University of Ottawa Law School and was called to the bar in Ontario in 1986.

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