Briefing book for Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons and Commissioners

Message from the Secretary General

Welcome to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (the Commission) and congratulations on your appointment. You hold an important public office that gives you the great privilege of being able to serve Canadians when the Commission is called upon to evolve. To help you get started, we’ve prepared this book, which will provide you with an overview of your new mandate.

Once you have read this material, you should have a good sense of the ins and outs of the Commission’s decision-making processes, the tools to which you have access and the corporate services available to you. The Commission is a small organization that is collegial in nature, so it will not be hard to find someone who can help you and who will be glad to answer any questions you may have. You will quickly learn that your colleagues and the Commission staff are always willing to provide support and guidance as you figure out what it means to be a Commission member, and throughout your tenure.

In the coming weeks, you will meet with staff for briefings on subjects such as values and ethics, Commission decision-making processes, regulatory sectors, access to information and privacy, information management and information technology, your human resources applications, training, etc. A schedule for these briefings will be provided to you shortly.

Claude Doucet
Secretary General

Contact person

Hélène Tremblay
Senior Advisor, Secretary General’s Office
(819) 431-1107
Hélène.Tremblay@crtc.gc.ca

Introduction

This briefing book is designed to help you in your orientation at the Commission. It was prepared with two goals in mind: to distill the information you need to know as a new commissioner and to give you an overview of what the Corporate Services sector has to offer.

Because you were appointed by the Governor in Council, and as a member of an administrative tribunal with quasi-judicial functions, you must be aware of several regulations governing your duties. The Commission has a very busy agenda, and many of the decision-making processes in which you will soon be participating have their own unique character. This first step in your orientation will help you understand the ins and outs of the Commission and the tools that are available to help you do your work.

To make things a little easier, in the first few weeks of your term you will have the opportunity to meet with each of the directors responsible for the various items set out in this book. In the meantime, if you have any questions, the name and phone number of the director responsible for each item are provided at the end of each section. You will also quickly discover that the Commission uses many acronyms, so we have created a list of the most commonly used ones (see Appendix 1 in Volume 2).

We hope this document helps make your transition to life at the Commission as smooth as possible and that the information provided prepares you to dive into the Commission’s activities. Happy reading!

Your colleagues

Organizational charts

• V. Eatrides
  Présidente et première dirigeante
  Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer
• A. Barin
  Vice-Présidente, Radiodiffusion
  Vice Chairperson, Broadcasting
• A. Scott
  Vice-Président, Télécommunications
  Vice-Chairperson, Telecommunications
• B. Abramson
  Conseiller (Ontario)
  Member (Ontario)
• C. Anderson
  Conseillère (C.B. et Yukon)
  Member (BC and Yukon)
• E. Desmond
  Conseillère (Région de l’Atlantique et Nunavut)
  Member (Atlantic Region and Nunavut)
• J. Levy
  Conseillère (Manitoba et Saskatchewan)
  Member (Manitoba and Saskatchewan)
• N. Naidoo
  Conseillère (Alberta et T.N.-O.)
  Member (Alberta and NWT)
• Vacant
  Conseiller (Québec)
  Member (Quebec)

Senior Commission staff

• V. Eatrides
  Présidente et première dirigeante
  Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer
• S. Hutton
  Dirigeant principal, consommation, recherche et communications
  Chief, Consumer, Research and Communications
• C. Doucet
  Secrétaire général
  Secretary General
• S. Millington
  Avocat général principal et directeur exécutif
  Senior General Counsel and Executive Director
• S. Harroun
  Cadre en chef de la conformité et des enquêtes
  Chief Compliance and Enforcement Officer
• L. Wright
  Directrice exécutive, Télécommunications
  Executive Director, Telecommunications
• S. Shortliffe
  Directeur exécutif, Radiodiffusion
  Executive Director, Brodcasting

Biographies

Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer

Vicky Eatrides

Vicky began her career practising regulatory law at a national law firm in 2000. She joined the federal public service in 2005 and held a number of senior executive positions at the Competition Bureau, Natural Resources Canada, and the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. Vicky has experience across a variety of areas, including law enforcement, strategic policy, economic analysis, legislative affairs, and international relations.

Vicky held several leadership roles at the Competition Bureau over a twelve-year period, including Senior Deputy Commissioner in charge of enforcing criminal and civil provisions of the Competition Act. During her time at the arm’s-length organization, she developed expertise in telecommunications, broadcasting, and new technologies by leading merger reviews, civil and criminal investigations, and regulatory interventions.

Vicky taught Competition Law courses at Queen’s University and has spoken at numerous domestic and international conferences and events. She is a member of the Law Society of Ontario.

Education

• Bachelor of Social Sciences (Economics), University of Ottawa
• Juris Doctor, University of Ottawa
• Certificate Program in Public Sector Leadership and Governance, University of Ottawa

Term: Ends January 5, 2028

Vice-Chairperson, Telecommunications

Adam Scott

With over 20 years of telecommunications policy and regulatory experience, Adam has managed complex files with technological, economic, social and legal dimensions, including Canada’s 5G spectrum auctions.

He has 12 years of experience at the executive level and brings a wealth of legislative, policy, regulatory, and program expertise to the telecommunications space. During his time at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, he was responsible for developing strategies on how to optimise social and economic benefits of wireless spectrum in Canada.

For many years, he developed government programs to improve broadband access in rural and remote parts of Canada and developed a vision and strategy for improving Canada’s communications infrastructure, addressing rural gaps, affordability issues, competition, innovation and investment.

Adam brings significant experience to the table in consulting and cooperating with industry, civil society, other levels of government, departments and agencies, including the CRTC.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, University of Waterloo
• Industry Canada Executive Learning Initiative, Ivey Business School

Term: Ends on February 8, 2028

Vice-Chairperson, Broadcasting

Alicia Barin

With over 20 years of experience in the Canadian media industry, Alicia has developed expertise in the fields of strategic planning, finance, 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, developed new business models for multi-platform broadcasting services, and coordinated Canadian content program and investment spending. During her time with Astral Media, she provided strategic planning support across the entire company.

Between 2013 and 2019 Alicia worked with a series of small and medium-sized professional services businesses as a senior executive in planning, finance and process management roles.

She was appointed Vice-Chair Broadcasting in February 2023, a position in which she had been serving in an interim capacity since August 2022. She was first appointed to the CRTC in 2019 as the CRTC’s Commissioner for Quebec.

Education:

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

Term: Ends on February 8, 2028.

Commissioner, Manitoba and Saskatchewan

Joanne Levy

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, as 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

Commissioner, Alberta and the Northwest Territories

Nirmala Naidoo

Prior to assuming the position of Commissioner for Alberta and the Northwest Territories, Nirmala Naidoo stood out as an award-winning television anchor, journalist and communications expert. She has worked for CTV’s W5, NBC London, Christian Science Monitor Television (London), Visnews London, Middle East Broadcasting (London) and was the evening news anchor for Global Calgary and CBC Calgary. Nirmala is also a champion of environmental sustainability and worked as a senior manager for the Alberta Climate Change Office and as Executive Director for Green Calgary.

A strong advocate for human rights and equality of power, she knows the importance of accessible and affordable communications services and the representation of interests for all.

Nirmala is also a former Keynote Speaker for Enbridge’s Famous Five, made Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40 list twice, is named one of the 150 Women Who Shaped Alberta, and was on the cover of TIME Magazine.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Psychology, University of Alberta
• Honours Bachelor of Journalism (Special Postgraduate Program), Carleton University

Term: Ends June 25, 2025

Commissioner, British Columbia and Yukon

Claire Anderson

Claire is the first Indigenous woman and first Yukon resident to be appointed to the Commission.

As a citizen of the Taku River Tlingit First Nation, she shares her region’s perspectives and helps ensure that the communications system serves the needs of all Canadians.

Called to the Yukon bar in 2014, Claire started her legal career in private practice at Lackowicz & Hoffman, where she conducted trials at the Yukon Supreme Court, led corporate reorganizations and negotiated various agreements including employment contracts. She also contributed to the territory’s legal community by serving as a director of the Yukon Legal Services Society.

Claire is the Protector for the Lanâlxh (Prosperity) Trust, where she oversees the conduct of trustees to ensure that their actions are compliant with the trust deed and legislation.

She has also made important contributions to the Taku River Tlingit First Nation, as coordinator of a Reconciliation Project, volunteer director of the Taku River Tlingit First Nation Economic Partnerships and a member of the Board of Directors of the T’akhu A’Tlen Conservancy.

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts, University of British Columbia
• Juris Doctor, University of British Columbia

Term: Ends August 27, 2024

Commissioner, Atlantic Region and Nunavut

Ellen Desmond

Ellen C. Desmond LL.M., Q.C. was the Director of Legal & Administration with the New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board from 2006 to 2020. Prior to joining the Energy Board in 2006, Ellen was engaged in private practice for over 12 years. She received her Queens Counsel designation in 2015. She has also taught on a part time basis with the Faculty of Law, University of New Brunswick for several years.

Ellen was the Chair of the Administrative Law Section for the Canadian Bar Association, New Brunswick Branch, a member of the Board of Directors of Symphony New Brunswick and a member of the Accounting and Auditing Standards Oversight Council. She was also the Atlantic Canada Lead for Women General Counsel Canada.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts, St. Thomas University
• Bachelor of Law, University of New Brunswick
• Master’s in Social Work, Carleton University
• Master’s in Law, Osgoode Hall

Term: Ends June 25, 2025

Commissioner, Ontario Region

Bram Abramson

Bram has over 20 years of experience in the communications sector, working on a wide range of broadband, wireless, digital media, and broadcasting issues. As a lawyer with 32M and with McCarthy Tétrault, he advised a broad range of public- and private-sector clients on regulated communications, privacy, and data governance matters. As head of legal for a competitive telco and for a blockchain wallet provider, he played strategic roles in-house and within industry associations. Early in his career, he was an analyst with TeleGeography’s international network infrastructure and the CRTC’s industry monitoring programs.

Over the years, Bram has served on various sector boards and advisory committees, including as a trustee of the American Registration for Internet Numbers, director of the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services, and member of the Canadian Internet Registration Authority’s Community Investment Review Committee.

He is a graduate of the Women in Film and Television’s Media Leadership Program and Canadian Bar Association’s Certified In-House Counsel program, and holds a range of privacy, investigation, and compliance designations.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Concordia University
• Bachelor of Civil Law and Juris Doctor, McGill University

Term Ends: February 15, 2028

Secretary General

Claude Doucet

Claude is an accomplished senior public servant with over 25 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 in broadcasting and regulation at the Commission. He returned to the Commission 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. Since June 2022, he has served as the Chair of the Board of Governors at the Ottawa Hospital, an organization he’s volunteered with since 2016. Most recently, he was Chair of that Board’s New Campus Stakeholder Committee.

Education:

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

Chief of Consumer, Research and Communications

Scott Hutton

As Chief of Consumer, Research and Communications, Scott is responsible for the formulation of the Commission’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 over 25 years of experience at the Commission to the role 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 by partnering with other government departments, moving along the road of legislative and regulatory reform while striving to meet the needs of Canadians in the digital era.

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

Education:

• Honours Bachelor of Commerce, University of Ottawa

Senior General Counsel and Executive Director

Stephen Millington

Stephen joined the Commission as legal counsel in 2003 and currently holds the position of Senior General Counsel and Executive Director of the Legal Services. Over the course of his career at the Commission, Stephen has worked exclusively in the legal directorate. He was appointed Senior Legal Counsel in 2009 and held the position of Team Lead Consumer Affairs and Strategic Policy (CASP) from 2012 until his appointment to his current position in 2017.

As Team Lead CASP, he specialized in ownership transactions in both the Telecommunications and Broadcasting sectors. He was the lead counsel for the Commission on several key ownership proceedings, including the BCE acquisition of CTV and the review of Globalive Wireless.

Prior to joining the Commission, 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.

Education:

• Bachelor of Law, University of Ottawa (L.L.B)
• Member of the Law Society of Ontario (1986)

Executive Director, Telecommunications

Leila Wright

Leila began her career practising competition law and commercial litigation at a national law firm. She jointed the Competition Bureau in 203, where she served in several senior executive roles, including as Deputy Commissioner for Digital Enforcement and Intelligence, leading on data analytics, intelligence and behavioural economics. Leila was also the Associate Deputy Commissioner for the Policy, Planning and Advocacy Directorate, where she led major initiatives aimed at promoting competition, including in-depth studies on how to foster competition and innovation in Canada’s financial services and telecommunications industry.

Leila also directed a comprehensive study of Canada’s broadband industry and let the Bureau’s participation in several CRTC proceedings.

Education:

• Juris Doctor, University of Toronto
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Political Studies, Queen’s University
• Bachelor of Science, Life Science, Queen’s University

Executive Director, Broadcasting

Scott Shortliffe

As Executive Director of Broadcasting, Scott leads a team of professionals who strive to provide Canadians with a wide range of Canadian audio and video programming that displays Canadian and Indigenous talent, reflects Canadian and Indigenous perspectives and serves their interests across the country. This includes preparing the organization for the design and implementation of new policies, processes and regulatory innovations to respond to new broadcasting legislation and emerging trends, while also providing solutions to Canadian broadcasters and distributors who will be navigating these transitions.

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 regarding Commission broadcasting licence decisions. From 2011 to 2017, Scott was an observer on the Board of Women in Communications and Technology Canada and the Canadian Heritage champion for the Jeanne Sauvé Professional Development Program.

Education:

• Bachelor of History, Carleton University

Chief Compliance and Enforcement Officer

Steven Harroun

Steven was appointed Chief Compliance and Enforcement Officer (CCEO) 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 the Commission in 2002 and developed his professional and leadership competencies through various positions of increasing responsibility. As the Director General of Strategic Policy, Steven led the development and implementation of key Commission policies through his leadership of the Social and Consumer Policy, Network Technology, and Strategic Policy and International Affairs teams within the Consumer Affairs and Strategic Policy Sector of the Commission.

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

Commission’s champions list

Note: All of these roles are carried out with the support of Human Resources and, where applicable, committee members (* indicates where committee members provide support).

Champions’ roles:

At the Commission, we have a series of champions who provide a leadership role in promoting the advancement of the cause they represent and encouraging commitment among employees and managers. Champions need to promote their cause through education and communication. They set goals and invest efforts and energy to achieve them. Below are the Commission’s champions.

Your appointment to the Commission

You have been appointed to the Commission by the Governor in Council, that is to say by the Governor General on the advice of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, as represented by Cabinet. Your appointment was made by way of an order in council, which specifies the appointment’s term and tenure.

What you need to know

The Commission consists of not more than 13 members, each appointed by the Governor in Council. The Governor in Council must designate one of the members to be Chairperson and two of them to be Vice-Chairpersons. The Governor in Council’s decisions are rendered through an Order in Council, which is a legal instrument pursuant to a statutory authority. In the case of the appointment of Commission members, the statutory authority is the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Act. Orders in Council are made on the recommendation of the responsible Minister of the Crown, who, in the case of the Commission, is the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

Orders in Council set out the terms and conditions of each Governor in Council appointment. At the Commission, these appointments are for a fixed term of up to five years for an initial appointment. The tenure of Governor in Council appointees is either “during good behaviour” or “during pleasure.” As a Commission member, your tenure is during good behaviour and you may only be removed for cause.

You must meet the following eligibility requirements to be appointed to the Commission and to continue as a member:

• you must be a Canadian citizen and reside in Canada
• you cannot, directly or indirectly, engage in a telecommunications undertaking or have any pecuniary or proprietary interest in (i) a telecommunications undertaking or (ii) the manufacture or distribution of telecommunications apparatus except where the distribution is incidental to the general merchandising of goods by wholesale or retail

As a member, you are required to

• devote the whole of your time to the Commission
• disclose your assets/liabilities, outside activities, and memberships to the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner of Canada, pursuant to the Conflict of Interest Act
• reside in the National Capital Region unless you are designated as a regional member, in which case you must reside in that region and within any distance of the regional office that may be determined by the Governor in Council (as specified in the Order in Council)
• adhere to the duties and obligations set out in the Code of Conduct for CRTC members (found further on in this briefing book) and the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector
• adhere to the requirements of the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders

At the end of your tenure you may be reappointed, but since appointments are made at the discretion of the Governor in Council, renewal is not automatic. If you are not renewed, you still have post-employment obligations, which are discussed more fully in the Conflict of interest section.

Contact person

Stephen Millington
Senior General Counsel and Executive Director
819-953-0632
stephen.millington@crtc.gc.ca

Brief description of your role and the roles of your colleagues

Commission members and regional members

The role and responsibilities of Commission members include the following: establish rules, policies and guidelines for licences; participate in public hearings and consultations; develop regulations and provide input regarding Commission decisions; cautiously consult with members of the broadcasting and telecommunications industries, the public and other interested parties; and consider directions from the Governor in Council to the Commission.

Commission members are expected to perform the following activities:

• Attend Commission meetings to discuss and make determinations on files presented by staff in order to make evidence-based decisions supported by logic and analysis, which includes
  • reading all materials sent to them in advance to understand the topic, issues and analysis under consideration (request staff briefing in advance if necessary)
  • when appropriate, being prepared with questions and concerns to pose to staff and other Commission members on the evidence, logic and arguments presented and under consideration
  • when appropriate and based on their expertise and professional background, advancing interpretations and lines of argument or analysis as alternatives to those presented by staff
• Participate in public hearings. Commission members are appointed to specific hearing panels by the Chairperson based on their individual backgrounds and areas of expertise, and they are expected to contribute by adding their perspectives to the interpretation of evidence and lines of analysis in the Commission’s decision-making. This includes:
  • chairing or sitting on hearing panels, as assigned by the Chairperson
  • preparing for and attending all panel pre-briefing, briefing, pre-debriefing, debriefing and other required meetings
  • reading briefing and debriefing materials prepared by staff
  • questioning interveners
  • making a decision on the issues examined during the hearing
• Develop professional relationships with stakeholders, while being cognizant of public perception of the Commission and in particular the need to be, and be seen to be, impartial. This includes,
  • when appropriate and as approved, accepting invitations to give speeches or participate in conferences, presentations, discussions, etc. as a representative of the Commission
• At all times, adhere to the requirements and conventions of appropriate communication. This includes, among other things,
  • not commenting on or discussing matters before the Commission with any party or the media
  • referring requests for media interviews to the Director of Communications
  • not providing justification for Commission decisions
• Undertake ad hoc tasks as assigned by the Chairperson.
• Build and maintain a working knowledge of the issues within the Commission’s mandate, including having bilateral meetings with Commission sector heads.
• Perform their duties in the public interest and with impartiality, which is required of them as a Commission member and as a Governor in Council appointee. There is a general duty of loyalty owed by Commission members and public servants to the Government of Canada.

Chairperson

The Commission is an administrative tribunal with quasi-judicial functions that is part of the core public administration and is listed in Schedule I.1 of the Financial Administration Act. Under that Act, the Commission Chairperson is the CEO and the designated Deputy Head of the organization. As such, the Chairperson is solely accountable to Parliament for any activity that falls under the many acts and regulations related to the administration of federal government organizations – for example, the Financial Administration Act delegation of human resources and financial management, the Public Service Employment Act, the Access to Information Act, the Official Languages Act, the Privacy Act and the Canada Labour Code. In addition to these Deputy Head responsibilities, the Chairperson chairs the Full Commission Meetings and appoints Commission members to panels for public proceedings.

Vice-chairpersons

The Governor in Council designates two Commission members to act as Vice-Chairpersons (by convention, one for the Broadcasting sector and one for the Telecommunications sector). The Vice‑Chairpersons each chair either the Telecommunications Committee Meetings (TCMs) or the Broadcasting Committee Meetings (BCMs) and provide leadership to other Commission members and staff in their respective areas of responsibility.

Secretary General

As the Commission’s sole Assistant Deputy Minister, the Secretary General is its designated Chief Financial Officer and is the primary point of contact for central government departments. The Secretary General is also responsible for overseeing the Commission’s corporate services and operations, including Finance and Administrative Services, Information Management and Information Technology, and Human Resources. In the Corporate Services section of this briefing book, you will find an overview of these responsibilities. The Decisions Division and the Planning and Process group are also under the Secretary General’s responsibility. The Commission’s core activities are to hold public processes and render decisions; official correspondence communicating the Commission’s decisions is issued under the Secretary General’s signature.

Legal Services

Legal Services provides all legal advice to the Commission. Its lawyers act as Commission counsel at public hearings and on all matters for decision before the Commission. As corporate counsel, Legal sector lawyers provide advice to Commission members and staff to assist them in performing their duties under the various statutes governing the substantive work of the Commission, as well as statutes relating to the operation of the Commission as a government institution, such as the Access to Information Act, the Financial Administration Act and the Official Languages Act. Legal advice is provided to Commission members and staff in their official capacity, not their personal capacity. Lawyers in the Legal sector are members in good standing of a provincial bar association and operate independently from the Department of Justice. The legal advice they offer is subject to solicitor-client privilege, which can be waived only by the Chairperson and CEO. It is the duty of Commission members and staff to keep such advice confidential.

Contact person

Claude Doucet
Secretary General
819-953-5889
claude.doucet@crtc.gc.ca

Responsibilities as a Governor in Council appointee and a Commission member

In your new role, you will be performing public duties, and you are expected to conduct yourself in a manner befitting the trust and confidence placed in you. To assist you in determining whether a course of conduct is compatible with that expectation, the obligations that have been placed upon you are discussed in greater detail in the following pages. You are encouraged to become familiar with the sources of your obligations and the guidelines in place to help you make decisions in line with those obligations.

What you need to know

Because you are a Governor in Council appointee and a Commission member, your actions are governed by the applicable provisions of

• the Conflict of Interest Act
• the Lobbying Act
• the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Act
• the Terms and conditions applying to Governor in Council appointees
• the Code of Conduct for CRTC members (found on page 41 of this briefing book)
• a number of ethical guidelines, including the Ethical Guidelines and Statutory Standards of Conduct and the Guidelines for the Political Activities of Public Office Holders

Rules are in place, in accordance with Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat policies and directives, to govern such matters as travel, privacy, security and information management. See Appendix 3 in Volume 2 for these rules.

[redacted]

Contact person

Stephen Millington
Senior General Counsel
819-953-0632
stephen.millington@crtc.gc.ca

Conflict of Interest

As a full-time Governor in Council appointee, you are subject to the provisions of the Conflict of Interest Act and are considered a reporting public office holder.

The Conflict of Interest Act contains rules pertaining to conflicts of interest and post-employment. It also explains the steps to be taken to avoid real or apparent conflicts between your private interests and your public responsibilities. [redacted]. It is important that you familiarize yourself with the complete rules and obligations set out in the Conflict of Interest Act. A summary of important points is provided below. Should you have any questions or concerns in this area, please contact the Secretary General or the Conflict of Interest Champion, who share the responsibility of Designated Senior Official for Conflict of Interest.

[redacted]

[redacted]

[redacted]

[redacted]

[redacted]

[redacted]

[redacted]

Contact persons

• The Conflict of Interest Act is administered by the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner of Canada. You may discuss your circumstances with, and obtain confidential advice from, officials in that Office.
• Within the Commission, the Secretary General and the Conflict of Interest Champion share the responsibilities of the Designated Senior Official for Conflict of Interest and can provide guidance regarding conflict of interest.

Claude Doucet
Secretary General
819-953-5889
claude.doucet@crtc.gc.ca

Rachelle Frenette
Conflict of Interest Champion
613-286-1699
rachelle.frenette@crtc.gc.ca

Mario Dion
Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner of Canada
613‑995-0721
info@cie.parl.gc.ca

Lobbying

As a Governor in Council appointee, you are considered to be a federal public office holder and thus subject to the Lobbying Act. Depending on your appointment, you may have certain responsibilities under that Act.

[redacted]

What you need to know

• The Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Lobbying Act. The Commissioner maintains the Registry of Lobbyists, which contains and makes public the registration information filed by lobbyists. The Commissioner also conducts reviews and investigations to ensure compliance with the Lobbying Act and the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct.
• The Lobbying Act is based on four key principles:
  • free and open access to government is an important matter of public interest
  • lobbying public office holders is a legitimate activity
  • it is desirable that public office holders and the general public know who is engaged in lobbying activities
  • the system of registration of paid lobbyists should not impede free and open access to government
• Lobbying is communicating with public office holders (e.g., you) for payment regarding
  • the development or amendment of federal legislative proposals, bills, resolutions, regulations, policies or programs
  • the awarding of federal grants, contributions or other financial benefits
  • in the case of consultant lobbyists, the awarding of a federal government contract and the arranging of a meeting between their client and a public office holder
• There are two types of lobbyists:
  • consultant lobbyists, who are hired to communicate with public office holders on behalf of a client
  • in-house lobbyists, who communicate with public office holders on behalf of the corporation or organization that employs them
• Consultant and in-house lobbyists have registration and reporting requirements under the Lobbying Act related to their lobbying activities. It is up to the individuals who are lobbying to comply with these requirements.

What you need to abide by

• The Lobbying Act and its regulations set out a sub-category of senior public office holders called designated public office holders (DPOHs). DPOHs are key, high-level government decision-makers, including those who occupy a position of comparable rank to an associate or assistant deputy minister. The Commission Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons, Secretary General, Senior General Counsel and Chief of Consumer, Research and Communications are designated as DPOHs.
• The Lobbying Act imposes two main requirements on DPOHs:
  • to respond to enquiries by the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada
  • to respect a five-year post-employment prohibition on lobbying the federal government.
• Lobbyists file monthly electronic returns with the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada, detailing their conversations with DPOHs. The Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada has the discretion to request that current and former DPOHs verify information that has been submitted in these monthly returns. DPOHs have a responsibility to respond fully and accurately to these requests; therefore, they should keep a comprehensive record of any meetings with lobbyists, including the names of the lobbyists, the dates of the meetings and descriptions of the subject matters discussed.
• For five years after their employment, former DPOHs are prohibited from lobbying the federal government. Individuals may apply to the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada to be exempted from this prohibition. An exemption may be granted, with or without conditions, if the Lobbying Commissioner is satisfied that it would not be contrary to the purposes of the Lobbying Act.

Contact persons

• You may discuss your circumstances in confidence with officials in the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada.
• DPOHs should also contact the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada prior to the end of their term to discuss post-appointment activities.

Nancy Bélanger
Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada
613-957-2760
info@lobbycanada.gc.ca

Stephen Millington
Senior General Counsel
819-953-0632
stephen.millington@crtc.gc.ca

Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders

In Open and Accountable Government, the Prime Minister outlined the key principles of responsible government and the roles and responsibilities of ministers in Canada. As a Governor in Council appointee, your conduct is subject to the requirements of Annex A of Open and Accountable Government, entitled “Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders.” These guidelines are divided into two parts:

• Part I: Ethical Guidelines and Statutory Standards of Conduct
• Part II: Guidelines for the Political Activities of Public Office Holders

Compliance with these guidelines is a condition of employment for Commission members; therefore, you must adhere to the guidelines throughout your term.

What you need to abide by

• “Part I: Ethical Guidelines and Statutory Standards of Conduct” sets out the following four principles that guide the conduct of public office holders at all times:
  • Ethical standards: Public office holders shall act with honesty and uphold the highest ethical standards so that public confidence and trust in the integrity, objectivity and impartiality of the government are conserved and enhanced.
  • Public scrutiny: Public office holders have an obligation to perform their official duties and arrange their private affairs in a manner that will bear the closest public scrutiny, an obligation that is not fully discharged by simply acting within the law.
  • Decision making: Public office holders, in fulfilling their official duties and functions, shall make decisions in the public interest and with regard to the merits of each case.
  • Government property: Public office holders shall not directly or indirectly use, or allow the use of, government property of any kind, including property leased to the government, for anything other than officially approved activities. In no circumstance should any political activities be performed at a government place of work; nor should any government equipment or material be used for such purposes.
• “Part II: Guidelines for the Political Activities of Public Office Holders” provides general principles and guiding factors for public office holders to consider before embarking on any political activity.
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• Political activities include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • contributing money, within the law, to political parties, candidates or leadership campaigns at any level of government
  • being a member of a political party at any level of government in Canada
  • seeking nomination to run as a candidate or being a candidate in an election of any level of government in Canada
  • fundraising for political purposes
  • managing a political campaign or campaigning personally on behalf of a candidate in an election
  • personally displaying campaign material
  • attending partisan or social events sponsored by one particular political party, a minister, a member of Parliament or a senator that are exclusively or primarily of a political or partisan character
  • expressing partisan views in a public setting where this may reasonably be seen to be incompatible with, or impair the ability to discharge, the office holder’s public duties

Contact person

Stephen Millington
Senior General Counsel
819-953-0632
stephen.millington@crtc.gc.ca

Practical Advice

In the performance of your duties as a Commission member, a Governor in Council appointee and a public office holder, you are subject to several laws, rules and guidelines, which contain the obligations and responsibilities placed upon you. Below is some practical advice on what those obligations and responsibilities mean for you in the context of the Commission.

This summary is not exhaustive, and when in doubt please refer to the actual laws, rules and guidelines to which you are subject, or contact the Senior General Counsel of the Commission.

What you need to abide by

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Gifts

There are no limits to the financial value of gifts you receive from your relatives or friends. While you may accept gifts from other parties that are a normal expression of courtesy or protocol, up to a value of $1,000, you must report to the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner of Canada any gift you accept whose value exceeds $200. [redacted].

[redacted]. You are encouraged to regularly consult the website of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner of Canada for any findings related to conflict of interest, including the acceptance of gifts, that pertain to Commission members.

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Post-employment obligations

You have post-employment obligations, which are outlined in the relevant sections of the Conflict of Interest Act and the Lobbying Act.

Contact person

Stephen Millington
Senior General Counsel
819-953-0632
stephen.millington@crtc.gc.ca

Additional considerations as a member of an administrative tribunal

In administrative law, the members of an administrative tribunal such as the Commission have the obligation to act fairly. This obligation involves several components, as described below, including the duties of fairness and natural justice. The Commission’s Legal services staff will assist members in meeting their legal obligations.

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Contact person

Stephen Millington
Senior General Counsel
819-953-0632
stephen.millington@crtc.gc.ca

Code of conduct

A copy of the Code of conduct for Commission members can be found below. You will receive a separate copy for your signature.

Code of Conduct for Commission (CRTC) members

A. Introduction

Purpose

Parliament has mandated the CRTC to regulate and supervise Canada’s communications system. At the core of this mandate is the duty to serve the public interest by putting Canadians at the centre of that system.

Members of the CRTC play a critical role in carrying out this mandate. As Governor in Council appointees, members are expected to uphold the highest ethical standards and to respect the principles of any code of conduct that is applicable to them.^{Footnote 1}

The provisions of this Code of Conduct (the Code) support the CRTC’s commitment to provide fair, transparent, credible and impartial public processes that are efficient and effective.

This Code aims to provide guidance on the standards of conduct that specifically apply to members in their role as independent and impartial decision-makers. The Code is meant to supplement any obligations contained in the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Act as well as those set out in applicable legislation, guidelines, codes or other instruments.

Scope

This Code applies to all the members of the CRTC.

Nothing in the Code shall adversely affect the members’ independence in their decision-making.

Although the Code cannot cover all situations, members are expected to act at all times with professionalism and integrity, in good faith, in an ethical manner and in accordance with the requirements of procedural fairness.

Administration of the Code

The Chairperson is responsible for the administration of the Code.

Where there is a question as to the interpretation of the Code, members should direct themselves to the Chairperson, the Secretary General and/or the champions for Conflicts of Interest or for Values and Ethics.^{Footnote 2}

Members are encouraged to identify as soon as possible any situation that may adversely affect the integrity of the CRTC.

B. Members’ responsibilities to the tribunal

Compliance with laws, guidelines and policies

Members are invited to familiarize themselves with the obligations contained in the following documents:

• Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Act
• Conflict of Interest Act
• Ethical Guidelines and Statutory Standards of Conduct
• Guidelines for the Political Activities of Public Office Holders
• Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector
• Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations
• CRTC Code of Conduct
• CRTC Policy on Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention

Members must comply with applicable laws, guidelines and Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat policies (e.g., for travel, confidentiality of information, security and information management).

Members shall not commit or condone any illegal or unethical act and shall not encourage such acts by anyone.

Collegiality, civility and prevention of harassment and violence in the workplace

Members should strive to maintain and improve the CRTC’s workplace as an inclusive, collegial and stimulating environment for everyone.

Members shall lead by showing, at all times, respect, professionalism, civility and courtesy to their fellow members, CRTC staff, parties and their representatives, and public servants in general.

Members shall also lead by example by adhering to the CRTC Policy on Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention and completing the related mandatory training for CRTC executives.

Expertise

In fulfillment of the CRTC’s mandate to regulate and supervise Canada’s communications system in the public interest, it is incumbent on each member to maintain a high level of professional competence and expertise in the field.

Members should be willing to share their knowledge, professional competence and expertise with fellow members and CRTC staff with a view to enhancing the quality of the CRTC’s work.

Consistency in decisions

In making decisions, members must take into account any applicable decisions by the Supreme Court of Canada, the Federal Court, the Federal Court of Appeal and any other court.

Members are responsible for promoting the institutional interest of the CRTC in ensuring that its decisions are consistent.

Members shall provide a rationale when they intend to deviate from previous CRTC decisions.

Communications

Communications and comments by members may have an impact on the CRTC’s reputation or its proceedings. In some cases, such communications or comments may raise a reasonable apprehension of bias.

For this reason, members shall obtain prior authorization from the Chairperson before communicating with the media, government, elected officials or their staff, regarding issues related to the work of the CRTC on any matter that might raise a reasonable apprehension of bias or might adversely reflect on the reputation of the CRTC. Members shall also obtain authorization from the Chairperson before making public comments or stating their opinion regarding issues related to the work of the CRTC. Types of communications include the Internet, radio, blogs, social media, virtual communities or online forums of organizations and their relevant or related websites.

Social media

Members should exercise discretion when using social media for personal purposes and should not identify themselves as members of the CRTC on social media sites. However, they may identify themselves as members of the CRTC on professional social networks such as LinkedIn.

C. Members’ responsibilities to the parties^{Footnote 3} in proceedings^{Footnote 4}

Communication with the parties

To maintain their independence and impartiality, members shall not communicate, directly or indirectly, with parties, witnesses or representatives with regard to a proceeding, except during a hearing when all parties and their representatives are present, unless the other parties have chosen not to participate in the proceeding.

It would be inappropriate for members to make comments about the merits of a case.

Natural justice and procedural fairness

Members shall abide by the principles of natural justice.

Members are encouraged to properly prepare before hearings and to be objective and open during hearings.

Members show leadership by acting with dignity, respect, courtesy, fairness, discretion and impartiality during proceedings before the CRTC.

All parties appearing before the CRTC are entitled to be treated without discrimination or favouritism.

D. Members’ responsibilities to the public

Conflict of interest

Members of the CRTC are subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. The following provides complementary clarifications relevant to members in their capacity as independent and impartial decision-makers:

• Members shall identify any actual, potential or apparent conflict of interest or anything that may be perceived as a conflict involving them that could arise in the course of their duties.
• Where any actual, potential or apparent conflict of interest is identified, members must faithfully and honestly consider the relevant facts and circumstances and determine an appropriate course of action, up to and including recusing themselves from a matter.^{Footnote 5}
• Members shall refrain from taking part in activities that are or could appear to be incompatible with their role as CRTC members or that could raise doubts about their ability to exercise independent judgment, their integrity or their impartiality.^{Footnote 6}
• Former members are subject to post-employment restrictions upon leaving the CRTC. Members are prohibited from being influenced by prospects of future employment in their decision-making and are subject to a cooling-off period that restricts their professional activities upon leaving office.

Gifts

Members are expected to comply with the legislative requirements of the Conflict of Interest Act and the guidelines applicable to public office holders with respect to the acceptance of gifts. These requirements are intended to ensure that members do not accept gifts where these might reasonably be seen to have been given to influence them in the exercise of their official duties.

E. Acknowledgement

Upon their initial appointment and each year thereafter, on the anniversary of their appointment to the CRTC, members will review the Code (as amended) and sign it to reaffirm their commitment to respect its principles.

I ACKNOWLEDGE that I have read and understood the Code of Conduct for CRTC members, and I agree to respect the principles of the Code.

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Contact person

Stephen Millington
Senior General Counsel
819-953-0632
stephen.millington@crtc.gc.ca

Elements of the Commission’s decision-making processes

Commission decision-making meetings and hearings

In general, Commission members make decisions on matters at one of several types of meetings, including Full Commission Meetings (FCMs), Broadcasting Committee Meetings (BCMs), Broadcasting Committee Sub-Committee Meetings (BCSCs), Telecommunications Committee Meetings (TCMs) and electronic meetings (e-M). BCMs, BCSCs and TCMs have been established by the Commission through by-laws made under the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Act (see the section of this briefing book entitled “By-laws” for further information). In addition, the Chairperson appoints Commission members, including a panel chair, to specific panels for public hearings. Panel meetings are held to discuss matters raised at those hearings. Commission members also make decisions on matters related to the Commission’s Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules and Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation at one of the following: Telemarketing Violation Review Panel (TVRP) meetings, Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) meetings, Preservation and Production Review Panel (PPRP) meetings and Broadband Fund Review Panel (BBFR) meetings. Summaries of these and other Commission meetings are provided below.

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The Executive Secretariat team at the Commission is responsible for managing, planning and organizing the administration of all Commission meetings, including the distribution of the meeting documents and preparation of the agendas. They also develop, manage, maintain and distribute the official calendars of all Commission meetings, public hearings, and conferences and events.

Full Commission Meeting (FCM)

• presided over by the Chairperson
• occurs 9 to 10 times a year; it is generally pre-planned, but can also be ad hoc and/or take the form of an e-meeting
• attended by the appropriate staff who support members in their deliberations
• consists of all Commission members, with quorum being a majority of members
• has the following objectives:
  • to consider staff analyses and evaluations of the impact of emerging economic, business, social, cultural and public issues
  • to review and discuss strategic directions, priorities and major initiatives
  • to make regulations, rules of procedure and by-laws
  • to consult with public hearing panels to ensure consistency in interpretation of Broadcasting policies

Broadcasting Committee Meeting (BCM)

• presided over by the Vice-Chairperson, Broadcasting, and is a standing committee of the Commission
• generally held monthly and virtually; it is pre-planned, but can also be ad hoc and/or take the form of an e-meeting
• attended by appropriate staff who support members’ deliberations, as well as other staff assigned to the files discussed
• consists of all Commission members, with quorum being three members
• disposes of Broadcasting issues delegated by By-law No. 26

Broadcasting Committee Sub-Committee (BCSC) electronic meeting

• normally presided over by the Vice-Chairperson, Broadcasting
• held weekly; it is pre-planned and is an e-meeting; but can also be ad hoc
• attended by appropriate staff who support members’ deliberations, as well as other staff assigned to the files discussed
• consist of the Vice-Chairperson, Broadcasting, as well as two Commission members named by the Chairperson, at least one of whom is a regional member, and one alternate member, with quorum being two members
• dispose of routine and non-contentious matters delegated by By-law No. 29

Telecommunications Committee Meeting (TCM)

• presided over by the Vice-Chairperson, Telecommunications, and is a standing committee of the Commission
• generally held monthly and virtually; it are generally pre-planned, but can also be ad hoc and/or take the form of an e-meeting
• attended by appropriate staff who support members’ deliberations, as well as other staff assigned to the files discussed
• consists of all Commission members, with quorum being three members
• disposes of Telecommunications issues delegated by By-law No. 9

Telemarketing Violation Review Panel (TVRP); Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) Violation Review Panel; Preservation, Production Review Panel (PPRP) and Broadband Fund Review Panel (BBFR) meetings

• the TVRP reviews Notices of Violation issued under section 72.07 of the Telecommunications Act, and performs different functions depending on whether or not representations are received
• the CASL Violation Review Panel reviews Notices of Violation issued under section 22 of CASL when representations are received in response from the recipient
• the PPRP reviews preservation demands issued under section 15 of CASL and notices to produce issued under section 17 of CASL, when applications for review are submitted by the recipients of those documents
• the BBFR reviews requests by a Broadband Fund recipient for a material change to the project as approved in the Statement of Work and may provide interim, partial or additional relief or set conditions of approval consistent with the Telecommunications Act
• the TVRP and CASL panel meetings are presided over by a Commission member named by the Chairperson
  • the PPRP meeting is presided over by the Chairperson
  • each panel consists of three Commission members and one alternate member named by the Chairperson
  • these meetings are held as needed and are attended by appropriate staff who support members’ deliberations, as well as other staff assigned to the files discussed

Electronic meetings (e-meetings)

• [redacted]. These meetings are used to accelerate the treatment of applications. Items scheduled for these meetings are typically urgent and/or non-contentious. E‑meeting items that raise questions or concerns by Commission members may be rescheduled, at the discretion of the Chairperson, to a regular meeting (BCM, TCM or FCM). Members generally have 24 hours to return their comments on an e-meeting by email (48 hours during weeks when an FCM or a hearing is taking place).
• An FCM may also be held via e-meeting in exceptional circumstances.
• There are also panel e-meetings in Broadcasting, which are held one week prior to the publication of a Notice of Hearing. Their purpose is to ensure that applications are complete and to seek members’ approval to publish the Notice of Hearing. Panel e-meetings can also be held to decide on procedural matters related to a specific hearing.

In-camera meetings

• These meetings are held regularly immediately following FCM and on an ad hoc basis as necessary to discuss sensitive matters for which the Chairperson has determined that it is neither necessary nor appropriate for some or all staff to attend.

Appearing and non-appearing hearings

• The Public Hearings group is responsible for managing, planning and organizing the administration of Commission public hearings, including preparing Broadcasting Notices of Consultation for publication, managing the intervention process, preparing hearing schedules, booking logistics and services for hearings and providing a staff member to serve as hearing secretary. Appearing and non-appearing hearings are subject to similar timelines and meetings, with the main difference being how parties participate.
  • Appearing hearings apply to both Broadcasting and Telecommunications issues. Parties are invited to make presentations before the appropriate Commission panel. These hearings are held either in Gatineau (in the Conference Centre at Place du Portage, Phase IV) or in other locations across Canada, depending on the issue under consideration. Commission panel members are usually physically present for appearing hearings.
  • Non-appearing hearings apply solely to certain Broadcasting issues. Outside parties are not invited to make presentations before the appropriate Commission panel. These hearings are held in Gatineau (at Commission headquarters, in the Salon Réal Therrien [SRT] boardroom). Commission panel members are not required to travel; they can attend via videoconference if they do not work at headquarters.
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• The Full Commission approves the issuance of Notices of Consultation for all Broadcasting policy issues. For other Broadcasting issues, after a panel has been formed, its members approve the completeness and the issuance of Broadcasting Notices of Consultation (for both appearing and non-appearing hearings).
• The Full Commission or the Telecommunications Committee approve the issuance of Notices of Consultation for Telecommunications policy issues.
• Following the intervention deadline, the panel approves the appearance/non-appearance of applicants and interveners (i.e., which applicants remain appearing, which remain non-appearing and which interveners to invite).
• For appearing hearings:
  • staff assisting panel members usually consist of at least a hearing manager (from either Broadcasting; Telecommunications or Consumer, Research and Communications), legal counsel, a hearing secretary, a hearing officer and a Commission technician
  • the Chair of the panel approves proposed hearing schedules, including the order of appearance of parties at the hearing, and the panel designation, which identifies the parties that individual panel members are expected to take the lead in questioning
  • the hearing manager provides panel members with a briefing book prior to the briefing meeting, which is generally held about one week before the hearing begins
  • lines of questioning are prepared in advance, either by Commission staff or by the panel members themselves
  • after the hearing has taken place, the hearing manager provides panel members with a debriefing book and schedules meetings between Commission staff and panel members to discuss the panel’s determinations on the issues addressed at the hearing

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Records of decision of Commission meetings

Records of decision of all decision-making meetings are taken by Secretariat staff to keep a record of the following:

• quorum
• the Commission’s determinations
• dissents and concurring opinions
• the fact that a consultation has taken place

Records of decision are issued for all Commission meetings in both official languages. Meeting records of decision are circulated to Commission members for approval at a subsequent Commission meeting.

Meeting records of decision are signed by the Chairperson of the meeting and by the Secretary General.

Practical advice

A staff member will meet with you to explain how the different meetings unfold and to guide you through the meeting process. You will also be able to discuss the tools that are available to you and receive demonstrations on how they work.

Commission or standing committee meetings

• In addition to the meeting agenda, materials circulated before meetings typically include a document at a glance (gives an overview of the issue) and a memorandum or presentation for each item to be discussed. The memorandum or presentation, prepared by staff, contains an executive summary, an overview of the issue, background information, a summary of comments received, analyses and recommendations or options for decision by the Commission members.
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Hearings and panel meetings

• Once you are assigned to a panel, you can begin to read the applications, interventions, replies and comments related to the hearing.
• Depending on the size of the hearing, the panel Chairperson may assign to you specific applications, subjects or submissions, and you will need to read the related material for these assigned items. You can request a briefing to assist you with your assignments.
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• Before any hearing, staff will provide you with briefing materials. These materials typically include an overview of the policy, programming and economic issues at play, as well as in-depth comments on particular applications or subject matters.
• You should read through your assigned items and related briefing materials prior to the panel briefing meeting, which occurs before the hearing.
• At the briefing meeting, the panel will establish the overall structure of the hearing and discuss possible areas of questioning. This is your opportunity to make general queries or specific ones related to your particular assignment(s).
• Hearing staff will provide you with practical information regarding the organization of the hearing.
• Throughout your preparation, do not hesitate to call on staff for help.
• Following the hearing, panel debriefing meetings are scheduled to discuss what was heard and to chart a path forward for the decision-making process.
• Hearing transcripts are available on the Commission’s public website, usually within a day of being recorded.

Contact person

Claude Doucet
Secretary General
819-953-5889
claude.doucet@crtc.gc.ca

Decision-making tools

Commission members are expected to render decisions based on thorough preparation and the application of the relevant legislation to the evidence presented during each proceeding. The legislative authority of the Commission is derived from a number of sources, as outlined below, which will assist you in the decision-making process. Links to each of these documents can be found on the Commission’s website.

Staff memoranda, or memos, are prepared for the majority of files that are presented for your consideration. These may take the form of a traditional memorandum, a presentation or another similar format. They may refer to past Commission decisions, orders or regulatory policies to help inform your decision. A list of key documents published by the Commission is available at Appendix 2 in Volume 2.

What you need to know

Acts

• An Act to promote the efficiency and adaptability of the Canadian economy by regulating certain activities that discourage reliance on electronic means of carrying out commercial activities, and to amend the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Act, the Competition Act, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act and the Telecommunications Act, 2010, also referred to as Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation or CASL
• Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Act, 1985
• Bell Canada Act, 1987
• Broadcasting Act, 1991
• Telecommunications Act, 1993
• Canada Elections Act, 2000

Broadcasting and Telecommunications Regulations

• Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Rules of Practice and Procedure

Broadcasting Regulations

• Broadcasting Information Regulations, 1993
• Broadcasting Licence Fee Regulations, 1997
• Broadcasting Distribution Regulations
• Conversion from Analog to Digital Television Regulations
• Discretionary Services Regulations
• Radio Regulations, 1986
• Television Broadcasting Regulations, 1987
• Simultaneous Programming Service Deletion and Substitution Regulations

Committee By-laws

• Broadcasting committee
• Broadcasting committee sub-committee for routine and non-contentious matters
• Telecommunications committee

Telecommunications Regulations

• Canadian Telecommunications Common Carrier Ownership and Control Regulations
• CRTC Tariff Regulations
• Telecommunications Fees Regulations, 2010
• Unsolicited Telecommunications Fees Regulations

Directions to the Commission by the Governor in Council

• Order Issuing a Direction to the CRTC on Implementing the Canadian Telecommunications Policy Objectives to Promote Competition, Affordability, Consumer Interests and Innovation
• Order Issuing a Direction to the CRTC on Implementing the Canadian Telecommunications Policy Objectives
• Directions to the CRTC (Direct-to-Home (DTH) Pay-Per-View Television Programming Undertakings) Order
• Directions to the CRTC (Direct-to-Home (DTH) Satellite Distribution Undertakings) Order
• Direction to the CRTC (Ineligibility to Hold Broadcasting Licences)
• Direction to the CRTC (Ineligibility of Non-Canadians)
• Direction to the CRTC (Reservation of Cable Channels)
• Direction to the CRTC (Reservation of Channels for the Distribution of CPAC)
• Direction to the CRTC (Reservation of Frequencies for Toronto) Order
• Order Raising the Limit on the Amount that the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation may Expend Under a Lease or Other Rental Agreement

Contact person

Stephen Millington
Senior General Counsel
819-953-0632
stephen.millington@crtc.gc.ca

Deliberations and voting

In an effort to achieve consensus, Commission members should express their views during Commission deliberations in such a manner that other members may gain an understanding of their position and of the reasons for their vote. Commission members should familiarize themselves with the rules of conduct for voting at Commission meetings (see Appendix 4 in Volume 2).

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Contact person

Stephen Millington
Senior General Counsel
819-953-0632
stephen.millington@crtc.gc.ca

By-laws

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Act empowers the Commission to make by-laws. When creating a special or standing committee and delegating powers to it, Commission members may set out that any act or thing done by any such committee in the exercise of the powers or the performance of the duties and functions that are delegated to it are deemed to be an act or thing done by the members.

Regular meetings of the Commission

• By-law No. 9: Telecommunications Committee, dated 14 May 1998 and re-adopted with minor technical changes on 26 October 2011 (see Appendix 6 in Volume 2):
  • creates the standing committee known as the Telecommunications Committee, which consists of all members of the Commission
  • delegates certain powers to the Telecommunications Committee related to Telecommunications issues, including the disposition of certain types of applications and the initiation of proceedings
  • sets the quorum for Telecommunications Committee Meetings, which is generally three members
• By-law No. 26: Broadcasting Committee, dated 13 May 1998 and re-adopted with minor changes on 26 October 2011 (see Appendix 8 in Volume 2):
  • creates the standing committee known as the Broadcasting Committee, which consists of all Commission members
  • delegates certain powers related to Broadcasting issues to the Broadcasting Committee, including determining whether a public hearing is required for the amendment or renewal of a broadcasting licence and initiating proceedings
  • sets the quorum for Broadcasting Committee Meetings, which is generally three members
• By-law No. 29: Broadcasting Committee Sub-Committee for routine and non-contentious matters, dated 13 April 2010 and re-adopted with minor changes on 16 April 2013 (see Appendix 9 in Volume 2):
  • creates the standing committee known as the Broadcasting Committee Sub-Committee, which consists of three members named by the Chairperson
  • sets the quorum for Broadcasting Committee Sub-Committee Meetings at two members
  • establishes that this committee deals primarily with Broadcasting issues that are routine and non-contentious in nature, such as extending certain time limits (e.g., the deadline for the implementation of an authority to provide a new service), disposing of revocation of licence applications and approving the wording and issuance of decisions granting administrative licence renewals
  • establishes that the Broadcasting Committee Sub-Committee can refer any matter to a meeting of the Broadcasting Committee or Full Commission, where appropriate, and must refer matters that raise new or significant policy considerations

Travelling and living expenses

• By-law No. 25: Travelling and living expenses paid to members, dated 28 November 1991 (see Appendix 7 in Volume 2):
  • sets out that members on travel status will be paid travel and living expenses in accordance with the National Joint Council’s Travel Directive

The Commission’s by-laws can be viewed on its public website, and copies can be found in Volume 2 of this briefing book.

Contact person

Stephen Millington
Senior General Counsel
819-953-0632
stephen.millington@crtc.gc.ca

Duty to consult and accommodate Indigenous peoples

The Crown (the executive branch of both federal and provincial governments) has a legal obligation to consult with Indigenous peoples where it has knowledge, real or constructive, of the potential existence of Aboriginal right or title and contemplates conduct that might adversely affect it. Consultation may also involve accommodating the concerns of the Indigenous groups affected by Crown action.

The duty to consult and, where appropriate, accommodate, is owed to First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities whose potential or established rights may be affected by contemplated Crown conduct.

Such duty is grounded in the honour of the Crown, which requires the federal government and its departments, agencies and officials to act with honour, integrity, good faith and fairness in all of its dealings with Indigenous peoples.

Although the duty to consult rests with the Crown, administrative boards and tribunals, such as the Commission, may play an important role in fulfilling the duty to consult, depending on the powers the legislature has conferred upon them. [redacted].

Even if there is no positive obligation on the Crown to consult Indigenous peoples, the Commission may wish to engage specifically with Indigenous communities in order to uphold the Government of Canada’s commitment towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

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Contact person

Stephen Millington
Senior General Counsel
819-953-0632
stephen.millington@crtc.gc.ca

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Contact person

Stephen Millington
Senior General Counsel
819-953-0632
stephen.millington@crtc.gc.ca

Official languages

As a federal institution and an administrative tribunal, the Commission has obligations under the Official Languages Act (OLA). The OLA is built on the recognition of language rights set out in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

What you need to abide by

The public has the right to communicate with and receive services from the Commission in either official language.

While not all Commission employees occupy bilingual positions, the Commission ensures that all its offices provide services to and communicate with the public in the official language of their choice, regardless of the method of communication.

Commission officers and employees located at headquarters and in the Montréal office have the right to use English or French in the workplace if they occupy bilingual positions. For example, employees are able to write and to speak at meetings in either English or French. Therefore, when you are attending a meeting at headquarters or via videoconference, you will have access to simultaneous interpretation. Employees in bilingual positions also have the right to be supervised in the official language of their choice.

In addition, the Commission must take positive measures to implement the federal government’s commitment to enhancing the vitality of English and French linguistic minority communities in Canada (known as Official Language Minority Communities, or OLMCs) and supporting and assisting their development, as well as fostering the full recognition and use of both English and French in Canadian society.

What you need to know

An OLMC-Commission discussion group meets annually to discuss pertinent information on the proceedings in which OLMCs should participate.

OLMCs participate in public proceedings to voice their realities and needs so that the Commission can take these into account in its decision-making.

Parties may appear at public proceedings and file documents in the official language of their choice. The Commission’s practice is to broadcast its public hearings live on its website, in both English and French, or live in the language being used.

The Commission uses an “Official Languages Act Lens” when analyzing each file submitted during the decision-making process; thus, each recommendation made to members is analyzed in terms of its impact on OLMCs.

As a Governor in Council appointee, you are expected to support and promote the objectives of the Official Languages Act by:

• assisting in the development of OLMCs
• fully recognizing the use of both English and French in Canadian society
• personally promoting the use of both official languages at the Commission

The Commission has recently established an in-house Second Language Training Program. To learn more about the language training services available to you, please contact the Director General of Human Resources.

Contact persons

Veronique Lehoux
Director General, Consumer, Research and Communications
Co-Champion, Official Languages
613-298-1615
veronique.lehoux@crtc.gc.ca

Lisanne Legros
Director, Telecommunications Networks Policy
Co-Champion, Official Languages
873-316-4824
Lisanne.Legros@crtc.gc.ca

Corporate services

In this section, you will find corporate information, including information about budget basics, your office, security, your information technology (IT) equipment, your human resources applications, communications issues, etc.

Budget basics

Commission budget levels are approved annually by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and Parliament as part of the Main Estimates process. Any additional funding authorities received during the year are approved as part of the Supplementary Estimates process.

The Commission’s Main Estimates for fiscal year 2022/23 total $77.3 million (for approximately 538 employees). The Chairperson is the Accounting Officer of the Commission and, as such, is responsible to Parliament for all Commission expenditures.

The majority of the Commission’s budget is funded through fees recovered pursuant to fee regulations established under the authority of the Broadcasting Act and the Telecommunications Act. These fees and the associated regulations are as follows:

• Part I broadcasting licence fees (Broadcasting Licence Fee Regulations, 1997)
• Annual telecommunications fees (Telecommunications Fees Regulations, 2010)
• Unsolicited telecommunications fees for compliance and enforcement activities related to the National Do Not Call List (Unsolicited Telecommunications Fees Regulations)

There are three exceptions, which are currently funded from general government revenues (i.e., budgetary appropriation):

• Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL): Under this law, the Commission obtained new investigative and enforcement responsibilities and powers to counter spam, malware, botnets and network rerouting. Funding for CASL-related activities in 2022/23 totals $4.0 million.
• Voter Contact Registry: Upon Royal Assent on 19 June 2014, the Commission was given specific responsibilities under the Fair Elections Act, which amended the Canada Elections Act and the Telecommunications Act.
  • The Commission’s responsibilities for the Voter Contact Registry program include:
    • establishing a secure online Voter Contact Registry before the next general federal election
    • maintaining the Registry
    • conducting compliance and enforcement activities in 2015/16 and on an ongoing basis; funding for activities related to the Voter Contact Registry in 2022/23 totals $656,614
• Implementation of amendments to the Broadcasting Act: The Commission was provided with temporary funding to undertake preliminary work related to amendments to the Broadcasting Act (Bill C-11). In 2022/23, funding for activities related to the implementation of amendments to the Broadcasting Act totals $3.3 million.

Commission budget and fee structures

Budget

Fiscal year 2022/23: The Commission’s budget totals $77.3 million (salaries: $55.7 million; operations and maintenance: $13.2 million; and employee benefit plans: $8.4 million).

Fees

Under its governing legislation, the Commission has the power to make regulations and set fees, with the approval of Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.

The Commission collects fees under the authority of the Broadcasting Act and the Telecommunications Act and the regulations made pursuant to those acts, namely the Broadcasting Licence Fee Regulations, 1997; the Telecommunications Fees Regulations, 2010; and the Unsolicited Telecommunications Fees Regulations.

Broadcasting licence fees

Section 11 of the Broadcasting Act empowers the Commission to make regulations respecting licence fees. The Broadcasting Licence Fee Regulations, 1997 apply to all licensees other than those classes of undertakings specifically exempted under section 2 of the regulations. Every licensee subject to the regulations is required to pay a Part I and a Part II licence fee to the Commission annually.

Part I broadcasting licence fees fully recover Commission operating costs related to its broadcasting activity with the exception of preliminary work undertaken for the implementation of amendments to the Broadcasting Act.

Part II broadcasting licence fees were set at $100 million starting in 2010 and are adjusted annually by the Consumer Price Index. For fiscal year 2022/23, it is forecast that the Commission will collect $123.7 million. The Part II licence fees are regulatory charges, imposed in relation to a broadcaster’s privilege to hold a licence. These fees recover part of the Government of Canada’s substantial annual investment in the Canadian broadcasting system. The Part II licence fees are considered non-respendable revenue (non-tax revenue). All revenues collected are deposited into the Government of Canada’s Consolidated Revenue Fund.

Telecommunications fees

Section 68 of the Telecommunications Act sets out the authority for collecting telecommunications fees from carriers that the Commission regulates.

On 25 March 2010, the Commission issued Telecom Decision 2010-183, which announced the Telecommunications Fees Regulations, 2010. These regulations require all telecommunications service providers (TSPs), or groups of related TSPs, with at least $10 million dollars in Canadian telecommunications service revenues to pay telecommunications fees. These annual fees recover the Commission’s operating costs related to its telecommunications activity.

Unsolicited telecommunications fees

In 2012, amendments were made to the Telecommunications Act to add subsection 41.21(1), which allows the Commission to make regulations prescribing fees for the purpose of recovering all or a portion of the costs that the Commission determines to be attributable to its responsibilities under section 41.2 of the Telecommunications Act and that are not recovered under any regulation made under section 68 of the Act.

The Unsolicited Telecommunications Fees Regulations came into effect on 1 April 2013. These regulations allow the Commission to assess fees for telemarketers in order to recover its investigation and enforcement costs related to the National DNCL. These fees are collected by the Commission’s delegate (the National DNCL Operator) and remitted to the Commission for deposit to the Consolidated Revenue Fund. The fees are estimated to be $3.3 million in total ($2.9 million respendable revenue and $0.4 million non-respendable revenue).

Timing of annual fee assessments

• Part I broadcasting licence fees – April
• Part II broadcasting licence fees – November
• Telecommunications fees – June
• Unsolicited telecommunications fees – monthly, April to March

Contact person

Valerie Huot
Director General, Finance and Administrative Services
343-549-4001
Valerie.Huot@crtc.gc.ca

Professional membership dues

As a rule, membership in a professional organization is not an employment condition for the Commission’s Governor in Council appointees. Reimbursement requests for any membership fees incurred by the commissioners must be discussed with the Chairperson.

Contact person

Renée Doiron
Chief of Staff, Chairperson’s Office
819-997-2755
Renée.Doiron@crtc.gc.ca

What you need to know about your workplace

The principal place of work for the Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons is at Commission headquarters in the National Capital Region. If you are a regional Commission member, your principal place of work is in your region. However, space is available at headquarters when you are in the National Capital Region on business.

Office space occupied by the Commission at headquarters and in the regions is either leased from the private sector or existing Crown-owned space managed through Public Services and Procurement Canada or a third-party service provider.

As the Chairperson, you have a number of dedicated office staff, including a Chief of Staff. Commissioners are supported by an administrative assistant, who are part of an administrative support hub. In some cases, one administrative assistant will be supporting two commissioners.

Administrative support staff provide various administrative services, such as:

• ensuring that adequate financial controls are implemented as part of payment processes
• providing administrative support, such as organizing meetings, preparing travel, coordinating information for presentations or hearings
• coordinating office moves and relocations
• addressing building-related issues such as office temperature, pest control, burnt lights, cleaning issues, etc. through the National Service Call Centre (NSCC); in the absence of support staff, you can contact the NSCC directly at 1-800-463-1850 or contact the regional support hub at headquarters to report any building-related issues.

It should be noted that regional support staff are Commission employees and report to the Secretary General’s office.

Contact person

Hélène Tremblay
Senior Advisor, Secretary General’s Office
(819) 431-1107
Hélène.Tremblay@crtc.gc.ca

Security access cards

In the regions, the building property manager, through the on-site security company, is responsible for providing regional office access cards. The Commission’s Departmental Security unit is responsible for access/identification cards for use at headquarters. Your administrative assistant will help you with the process of obtaining your regional office access card and will make an appointment for you with the Departmental Security unit at headquarters to process your headquarters access and identification cards.

You should wear the appropriate Commission identification card at all times while you are in a Commission building or operational zone, and you should not leave it on a desk or in a vehicle overnight. It is important for you to know where your identification and access cards are located at all times. Should you lose one of your cards, you should notify the Departmental Security unit at Securite‑Security@crtc.gc.ca as soon as possible.

Contact persons

Chris Millar
Chief Security Officer
613-894-0976
Chris.Millar@crtc.gc.ca

Valerie Huot
Director General, Finance and Administrative Services
343-549-4001
Valerie.Huot@crtc.gc.ca

Security clearances and information security/protection

Security clearance

The Commission’s Departmental Security unit will provide you with a full security briefing regarding the protection of Government of Canada information and assets. You and the Chief Security Officer will both sign the briefing certificate to acknowledge that you understand your responsibility to protect Government of Canada information and assets.

Information protection

The protection of information is critical to effective governance in the Government of Canada. It is therefore important that you have the proper knowledge and tools when it comes to handling protected and classified information.

Unauthorized disclosure of protected or classified information (e.g., disposing of documents in the garbage or recycling bins instead of shredding them; reading protected information in a public area such as an airplane or a restaurant; leaving information unprotected in a hotel room, car or boardroom) is considered a security breach and could lead to a revocation of your clearance and the loss of the ability to see protected or classified information. Some examples of protected documents you will see in performing your duties include draft decisions, presentations and memoranda that may include information about a company the Commission regulates.

All Governor in Council appointees and Commission employees must ensure the proper handling and protection of protected or classified information. Please consult the Commission’s information guide explaining how to properly store, electronically store, transport, transmit, electronically transmit, destroy and electronically destroy protected and classified information. You are also encouraged to consult the Information Technology division before undertaking any international travel to ensure you have updated information on the protection of information.

Contact persons

Chris Millar
Chief Security Officer
613-894-0976
Chris.Millar@crtc.gc.ca

Valerie Huot
Director General, Finance and Administrative Services
343-549-4001
Valerie.Huot@crtc.gc.ca

Information Technology (IT) Equipment

As a Commission member, you may use Government of Canada electronic networks and devices. This section will provide you with

• IT policies, standards, and security tips
• guidance on how to manage your data use on mobile equipment
• a list of IT equipment that you will obtain to conduct your duties

What you need to abide by

As a Commission member, you are expected to adhere to all Commission information management and technology (IM/IT) policies, including the IT Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) and the IT Security – International Travel Policy (ITP).

The AUP is intended to help protect the Commission’s IT users, IT infrastructure, information and data from illegal or damaging actions by individuals, either intentional or unintentional. It covers the following areas: general use; personal use; internet use; security of the Commission’s systems, infrastructure, information and data; smartphone use; unacceptable use; incident response; email, Teams messages and texts; communications activities including social media; monitoring and privacy; remote access; and sanctions.

The ITP, which applies in conjunction with the AUP, outlines the directives on the use of Commission Information Technology during international travel for business or of a personal nature. These rules are in place to ensure that all Commission assets, information and users are properly safeguarded since inappropriate use exposes the Commission to risks including attacks, breaches, compromise of network systems/data, services and potentially legal issues.

All use of Government of Canada electronic networks and devices must be in compliance with the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector and all other related Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat policies, as well as departmental codes of conduct and policies. Use of Government of Canada electronic networks and devices must not give rise to a real, potential or apparent conflict of interest, or in any way undermine the integrity of the Commission.

What you need to know

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Security information

• Never lend or allow anyone to use the equipment allocated to you.
• Never share your passwords.
• Change your passwords regularly.
• Use a complex password.
• Be vigilant in reviewing incoming emails and before clicking attachments or links, especially from outside senders (as indicated by the yellow warning banner at the top of all emails which originate from outside the Commission).
• Immediately report any lost or stolen equipment to the IM/IT Helpline at 819-953-4334 or helpline@crtc.gc.ca.

Contact person

Phil Charron
Chief Information Officer, Information Management and Technology
819-997-1278
Phil.Charron@crtc.gc.ca

Personal information and access to information produced or shared at work

The Canadian public has the right to access information contained in records under the control of a government institution.

The Access to Information Act is considered to be quasi-constitutional, and government institutions are required to provide complete, accurate and timely responses to requests made under that Act. The Act has a strict legislative time frame that must be adhered to. All information under the control of a government institution, including information created by its employees and Governor in Council appointees and information sent or submitted to the institution, is subject to the Act.

The intent of the Privacy Act is to protect the privacy of individuals with respect to their personal information (e.g., age, race, civil status) held by a government institution, and to provide individuals with the right to access that information. Individuals may also request a correction to their information if it is inaccurate.

If you receive a request to provide records in response to an access to information and privacy (ATIP) request, you will have 10 calendar days to do so, to enable the Commission to meet its legislative deadline. The following Acts and regulations apply to you:

• the Access to Information Act and its regulations
• the Privacy Act and its regulations
• various Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat policy instruments

What you need to know

All information created or collected by a government institution, regardless of format, is subject to the above-mentioned Acts. Such information includes, but is not limited to, emails, text messages, Teams chat messages, calendars, notebooks, briefing books and minutes of meetings. All information, regardless of its security classification or its sensitivity, must be provided to the Commission’s ATIP office following proper security procedures.

[redacted]

If you are made aware of a potential ATIP request, or you are tasked with such a request, you must not alter or destroy any records that may be relevant to the request.

When you are tasked with a request, you must:

• gather the relevant records
• identify any information you feel is sensitive and indicate why; the ATIP office will review the documents and apply the appropriate exemptions or exclusions
• respect the deadline given by the ATIP office; the Commission has to provide the information to the requester by the legislated deadline (30 calendar days unless the ATIP office deems that an extension is necessary)

In addition, if you are tasked with a privacy request, you must restrict access to the relevant records to those who have a need to know and be careful about how these records are handled.

Contact person

Phil Charron
Chief Information Officer, Information Management and Technology
819-997-1278
Phil.Charron@crtc.gc.ca

Information management

The Commission receives, collects and creates a high volume of information, which must be managed according to the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat’s Policy on Service and Digital.

What you need to know

• you are responsible for managing information resources of business value that you receive and create, since such information is a valuable asset to support the Commission’s work and its operational needs and accountabilities.

Information resources of business value

• Information resources of business value include, for example, information that
  • enables decision-making
  • supports reporting, performance and accountability requirements
  • provides evidence of decision-making, financial and legal transactions, and compliance and enforcement actions
• You must properly manage information resources of business value so that they are correctly stored and easily found. Best practices include the following:
  • capture the information that supports your work and the work of the Commission
  • [redacted]
  • give your documents meaningful names and use meaningful names in the subject line of emails
• At the Commission, information resources of business value may be kept for up to 10 years. Some of this information has historical value (e.g., agendas and minutes from the Commission’s decision-making meetings, Commission decisions, correspondence to the Chairperson) and is kept in perpetuity by Library and Archives Canada.

Transitory information

• You are not required to keep transitory information any longer than you may need it.
• [redacted]
• Transitory information includes the following, for example:
  • information that is required for a limited time to ensure completion of work
  • preliminary drafts and duplicate copies
  • personal information
  • FYI emails
  • [redacted]

For more information on what to keep and what to delete, consult the reference guide Recordkeeping at the Commission.

Contact person

Phil Charron
Chief Information Officer, Information Management and Technology
819-997-1278
Phil.Charron@crtc.gc.ca

Travel and Events

Travel

Commission members are required to travel on government business. The travel directives below and the American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) Shared Travel Services (STS) Portal comprise the Commission’s guidance and tools for bookings and for the reimbursement of reasonable expenses that are necessarily incurred during government business travel.

Planning is a very important part of the travel and event process to ensure that bookings are made in a timely fashion and to keep costs as low as possible. Travel expenses are paid using public funds, and caution must be exercised in the use of these funds since the Commission is accountable to Parliament, taxpayers and fee payers. Accordingly, as you make plans and submit expense reports, you must use your judgment and ensure value for the public money spent.

In general, the person providing you with administrative support will help you coordinate travel requests with the office of the Secretary General.

Rules

• National Joint Council’s Travel Directive
• Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat’s Special Travel Authorities
• Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat’s Directive on Travel, Hospitality, Conference and Event Expenditures

What you need to know

• An Event and Travel Plan is approved quarterly by the Chairperson.
• A Travel Request and a Travel Expense Report for each trip must be approved in the GBT STS Portal – Online Booking Tool and Expense Management Tool.
• You must obtain a BMO travel credit card and use it to cover your travel expenses.
• A Blanket Travel Authority may be approved annually by the Chairperson for Commission members to travel within/outside headquarters area (or their region) with no overnight stay. This travel excludes overnight stays for conference attendance near Commission offices, stakeholder visits, etc. (See Appendix 5 in Volume 2 for the Blanket Travel Authority form.)
• If your travel is not part of the travel plan approved by the Chairperson, you will need to file a request with the office of the Secretary General, who will make recommendations to the Chairperson. Your request must clearly indicate the purpose of the event and provide a cost estimate that includes transportation, conference fees, accommodations, meals and incidentals. If the Chairperson approves your request, the person providing you with administrative support will have to fill out the appropriate forms and submit them to the office of the Secretary General for formal approval of your travel.
• The total costs, including travel and conference fees, for all Commission employees and members participating at a conference cannot exceed $50,000.
• If you are considering pairing a personal trip with a professional trip (e.g., you would like to travel three days prior to the event), you will have to take personal responsibility for the costs and demonstrate that there are no additional costs to the government (e.g., a copy of an itinerary without the additional personal days, extra nights at a hotel, food, taxis). You will also be responsible for inputting your vacation days into the MyGCHR system for the personal part of the trip.
• You should review your expense report to confirm that it is a fair representation of the expenses you have incurred. You should only claim expenses that you have actually incurred (e.g., although you can claim a private non-commercial accommodation allowance, you cannot claim the amount for using a private accommodation if you have stayed in your home, and you should not claim expenses for a meal that was provided to you and included in a conference fee).
• On a monthly basis, your travel expenses will be disclosed on Canada’s Open Government Portal. The details of your expenses can also be accessed through the Access to Information Act.

Contact person

Valerie Huot
Director General, Finance and Administrative Services
343-549-4001
Valerie.Huot@crtc.gc.ca

Events

The office of the Secretary General, the Communications group and the Finance group have joint responsibility for events such as

• a conference
• a speech or presentation
• a meeting with industry

Rules

• Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat’s Directive on Travel, Hospitality, Conference and Event Expenditures
• Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector
• CRTC Code of Conduct

What you need to know

The Communications group provides support to members for all speeches and presentations approved by the Chairperson on the recommendation of the Direct Reports committee, which is made up of executives from each of the Commission’s sectors. When submitting your request, please provide details as to why you think you should attend and/or speak.

All travel and conference attendance must be approved by the Chairperson. Once approved, the events are registered in the Event and Travel Plan. Please consult the above section on travel for more information on the steps involved.

The person in charge of your administrative services will help you fill out the forms required to participate in events.

Contact persons

Véronique Lehoux
Director General, Communications
613-298-1615
Véronique.Lehoux@crtc.gc.ca

Valerie Huot
Director General, Finance and Administrative Services
343-549-4001
Valerie.Huot@crtc.gc.ca

Proactive disclosure on travel and hospitality expenses

The publication of travel and hospitality expenses for selected government officials is mandatory as per the December 12, 2003 announcement by the Prime Minister.

Specifically, all departments have to post their senior executives’ hospitality and travel expenses on Canada’s Open Government Portal every month. The Commission posts this information for the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairpersons, the Secretary General, Commission members and senior executives. Below are the steps to follow:

1. Members incur expenses related to travel (flights, hotels, taxis, meals, incidentals, etc.)
2. On a monthly basis, Finance compiles the expense information for every member
3. Finance will disclose the purpose of the travel and the destination as indicated by the travel arranger in the trip/event purpose and destination(s) in the “Traveler’s Comments” field when completing the Travel Requests
4. Finance posts the information for each member on Canada’s Open Government portal

Contact person

Valerie Huot
Director General, Finance and Administrative Services
343-549-4001
Valerie.Huot@crtc.gc.ca

The human resources systems

Phoenix

• Phoenix is the Government of Canada’s centralized pay system. It enables you to
  • view your pay statements and tax slips
  • amend direct deposit banking information
  • start, stop and amend voluntary deductions
  • start, stop and amend coverage under the Public Service Health Care Plan
• For details on how to perform actions in this system, please contact the Director General of Human Resources.

MyGCHR

• MyGCHR is the Government of Canada’s centralized system designed to support federal employees’ human resources transactions. This system enables you to
  • view and update your personal information, such as your name; marital status; home, mailing, and email addresses; phone number(s); and emergency contact information
  • submit absence requests automatically for approval and view your request history and leave balances
  • request to cash out your leave
• You will receive training on how to perform actions in this system. If you have any questions about HR systems, please contact the Director General of Human Resources.

What you need to know

• To log in to Phoenix or MyGCHR, you will require a MyKey, which will be provided to you as part of your IT equipment allocation and usage orientation session.
• A Human Resources team representative will assist you upon request.

Contact person

Lilia Trombetti
Director General, Human Resources
819-360-8625
lilia.trombetti@crtc.gc.ca

Holidays and leave

Full-time Governor in Council appointees, like public servants, must use their leave credits (sick, family-related, vacation, etc.) when they are not working or not on Commission-approved training. In the Chairperson’s case, your leave requests must be approved by the Secretary General. Commissioners’ leave requests must be approved by the Chairperson.

In general, Commission members are entitled to the following leave during a fiscal year:

• a minimum of 4 weeks of vacation leave (also called annual leave; this number may vary according to work history within the federal public service, if any)
• 11 paid statutory holidays
• 9.375 hours of monthly paid sick days (which are cumulative)
• 2 days of paid leave for reasons of a personal nature
• 37.5 hours of leave for family-related responsibilities

Other types of leave generally apply to specific situations, such as parental leave, jury duty and bereavement leave.

The Chairperson will normally strive to approve all reasonable vacation requests you receive from commissioners and your direct reports, regardless of the time of year, but the summer months and the Holiday season remain the ideal moments to take vacation leave. At these times of the year, there are often fewer meetings and less work.

In accordance with the Terms and conditions applying to Governor in Council appointees, you and your commissioners are encouraged to use your vacation leave during the year in which it is earned. In exceptional cases, you may carry a certain number of hours forward to the following year, but the accumulation of vacation leave is generally limited to one year’s entitlement. As per the Terms and conditions applying to Governor in Council appointees, the approval of carrying forward any unused vacation leave for commissioners remains the Chairperson’s responsibility. All cases must be discussed with the Chairperson, and all commissioners are required to submit all their vacation leave requests to the Chairperson for pre-approval. Sick leave requests are to be submitted the first day following the return to work.

For more information on eligible leave and the applicable rules, please contact the Director General, Human Resources.

Contact person

Lilia Trombetti
Director General, Human Resources
819-360-8625
lilia.trombetti@crtc.gc.ca

Training

Language training

If you need language training, please discuss the available options with the Director General of Human Resources.

Specific training

You will require training in your role as Chairperson as well as additional training in support of your functions as CEO. This training includes required training mandated by legislation, the Privy Council Office (PCO) or other central agencies, and recommended training that supports your various functions.

A summary of each category is offered below, with more specific information included in Appendix 13 in Volume 2.

Required training

• Workplace Prevention of Harassment and Violence – this training is a legislated requirement as per the Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations.
  • In keeping with the Commission’s commitments to anti-racism, anti-discrimination and inclusion, members must also avoid microaggressions that may reflect unconscious bias.
• Orientation Session for Heads of Federal Administrative Tribunals – this course is focused on the responsibilities of public office holders as well as management accountabilities.
• Authority Delegation Training for Executives – this training is required to exercise many financial and HR responsibilities as CEO.

Recommended training

• Adjudication Training – usually provided by the Canadian Council of Administrative Tribunals (CCAT) or the Society of Ontario Adjudicators and Regulators (SOAR) through York University.
• Selection Board member training for inclusive staffing – this training presents best practices and staffing strategies for conducting an inclusive and bias-free hiring process.
• Additional Workplace Prevention of Harassment and Violence training – for those designated to receive notices of occurrence, explains their role when conducting the resolution process for incidents of harassment and violence.

If you feel you need additional specific training, please discuss it with the Senior Legal Counsel or with the Director General of Human Resources.

If additional training is appropriate, you must fill out the Training Application and Authorization Form and submit it to the Secretary General for approval. You can find this form on The Zone in the Form section. The person in charge of administrative services for you can provide any required assistance.

Contact person

Renée Doiron
Chief of Staff, Chairperson’s Office
819-997-2755
Renée.Doiron@crtc.gc.ca

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Contact person

Véronique Lehoux
Director General, Communications
613-298-1615
Véronique.Lehoux@crtc.gc.ca

Date modified:

2023-05-24