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Ottawa, 21 January 1994
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Notice of Public Hearing CRTC 1994-1
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ISSUE NO. 1
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HULL, QUEBEC21 MARCH 1994, 9:00 A.M
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The Commission will hold a public hearing commencing on 21 March 1994, at the Conference Centre, Phase IV, 140 Promenade du Portage, Hull, Quebec, to consider the following:
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RENEWAL OF THE TELEVISION NETWORK LICENCES OF THE CBC
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Applications (932185200, 932186000) by the CANADIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION (CBC) to renew the broadcasting licences to carry on its English-language and French-language (television) network undertakings expiring 30 September 1994.
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I BACKGROUND
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In Decision CRTC 87-140 dated 23 February 1987, the Commission renewed the licences of the French- and English-language television networks of the CBC from 1st April 1987 to 31 March 1992. In Decision CRTC 91-687 dated 30 August 1991, the Commission, in response to a request by the President of the CBC, renewed these licences administratively from 1st April 1992 to 31 March 1993. In Decision CRTC 93-102 dated 30 March 1993, the Corporation was granted a second administrative renewal of its television network licences for the period from 1st April 1993 to 30 September 1994. Under both administrative renewals the licences were subject to the same terms and conditions as those specified in the1987 renewal.
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In the February 1987 renewal decision, the Commission set out long- and short-term objectives for the Corporation. The long-term objectives were described by the Commission as "an outline of the orientation" it considered Canada's publicly-funded national television networks should pursue; the short-term objectives established a series of goals for the Corporation to meet in the subsequent licence term.
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Among the Commission's long-term objectives for the CBC were the following:
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* Increase the Canadian content of the full-day broadcast schedules on both the English- and French-language television networks to an annual average of 90%;
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* attain a level of 25 hours per week of Canadian programming in the 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. time period on both networks;
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* attain a level of 10 hours per week of Canadian drama in the 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. time period on both networks;
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* attain a fair and equitable balance between regional and network production, distribution and scheduling on both networks;
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* attain a reasonable level of program exchange between the two networks;
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* establish a specific and identifiable service for the northern region comparable in status to its other regional services;
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* maintain a fair and balanced proportion of programming for children and youth in the schedules of both networks;
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* schedule a representative number of broadcasts of performances by various Canadian performing arts companies and groups on both networks;
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* acquire from the Canadian independent production sector 50% of its programming on both networks, in all categories of programming other than news, public affairs and sports;
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* balance the representation and portrayal of women in the programming of both networks in a manner that eliminates negative stereotypes and reflects the rightful place of women in Canadian society;
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* adjust its French-language television programming service to meet the needs of Francophones living outside Quebec;
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* balance the representation of native peoples in the mainstream programming of both networks in a manner that eliminates negative stereotypes and reflects their just place in Canadian society;
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* balance the representation of multicultural minorities in the mainstream programming of both networks, in a manner that eliminates negative stereotypes and reflects realistically their participation in Canadian society;
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* provide closed captions for the complete program schedules of both networks to ensure full access by the hearing-impaired to the programming offered by the CBC;
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* maintain high technical standards of program production and distribution on both networks;
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* extend the full service of both networks to all communities. The Commission encouraged the eventual replacement of all affiliates in order to achieve this objective;and
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* reduce its reliance on advertising as a source of revenue as government appropriations increase and when funding is approved on a longer-term basis.
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II MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS SINCE 1987
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Since the 1987 renewal decision several significant events have had an impact on the Corporation's activities, including the following:
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a) Restructuring of the CBC
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In December 1990, the Corporation announced a major restructuring of its services in response to funding cutbacks. A Public Hearing on this issue was held in March 1991, and was the subject of Public Notice CRTC 1991-423 dated 28 June 1991. At that hearing, the Corporation outlined five principles that were to guide its planning process in the 1990s. It also identified four programming priorities derived from these principles:
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The Five Planning Principles
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* A CBC that offers strong national services rooted in the regions of the country;
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* a CBC that is an essential public service. Its programming is distinctive and relevant. It demonstrates the highest possible standard of quality, creativity and integrity. It meets needs that are not met elsewhere and its services are accessible in all parts of the country;
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* a CBC that is valued by all Canadians. It offers a wide range of programming. It is not a mere alternative, designed to fill in the gaps left by other broadcasters. It is in the mainstream, not the margin, of the Canadian broadcasting system;
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* a CBC that is predominantly and distinctively Canadian. Ideally, it is almost entirely Canadian, supplemented by the best the rest of the world has to offer; and
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* a CBC that has a stable, predictable financial base so that it can effectively discharge its responsibilities to Canadians and be account-able for its trusteeship of public funds.
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The Four Programming Priorities
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* The maintenance of strong, complementary national networks in radio and television. In television, the CBC will emphasize Canadian content and quality programming. The English- and French-language services will cooperate more closely;
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* a more focused and distinctive role for regional television with redesigned supperhour news and information programs and an expanded network of journalistic bureaus;
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* an inter-regional emphasis that will provide Canadians in various parts of the country with "a forum for the exchange of views and the enhancements of understanding"; and
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* local television services to be provided "as part of the new regional and inter-regional responsibilities." The CBC intends to continue providing regional/local service on radio.
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b) New Broadcasting Environment
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There have also been changes in the regulatory environment since 1987. On 3 June 1993, the Commission published the results of its review and assessment of the evolving communications environment in a series of documents flowing from its four-week Structural Hearing in March 1993. On the same day, it issued a call for applications for licences to carry on new Canadian specialty, pay-television and pay-per-view programming undertakings. The applications received in response to this call will be the subject of a public hearing in February 1994. The results of these deliberations may well have a significant impact on the Corporation.
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c) New Mandate
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In 1991, a new Broadcasting Act was proclaimed. The specific mandate set out for the Corporation in the new Act differs from that contained in the Broadcasting Act of 1968, and contains the following elements under subsection 3(1):
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(l) The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, as the national public broadcaster, should provide radio and television services incorporating a wide range of programming that informs, enlightens and entertains;
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(m) the programming provided by the Corporation should,
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(i) be predominantly and distinctively Canadian,
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(ii) reflect Canada and its regions to national and regional audiences, while serving the special needs of those regions,
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(iii) actively contribute to the flow and exchange of cultural expression,
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(iv) be in English and in French, reflecting the different needs and circumstances of each official language community, including the particular needs and circumstances of English and French linguistic minorities,
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(v) strive to be of equivalent quality in English and in French,
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(vi) contribute to shared national consciousness and identity,
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(vii) be made available throughout Canada by the most appropriate and efficient means and as resources become available for the purpose,
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(viii) reflect the multicultural and multiracial nature of Canada; and
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(n) where any conflict arises between the objectives of the Corporation set out in paragraphs (l) and (m) and the interest of any other broadcasting undertaking of the Canadian broadcasting system, it shall be resolved in the public interest, and where the public interest would be equally served by resolving the conflict in favour of either, it shall be resolved in favour of the objectives set out in paragraphs (l) and (m).
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III MARCH 1994 RENEWAL HEARING
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One purpose of the March 1994 Public Hearing is to provide the public with an opportunity to express its views on the past performance and future directions of the national service.
Among the main issues the Commission intends to discuss with the Corporation are the following:
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a) Mandate
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* The impact of the new Act on the CBC's mandate and on the Planning Principles and Programming Priorities set out above;
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* a review of the long-term objectives for the national public broadasting service;
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* the Corporation's initiatives to foster and develop regional programming, and its policies with respect to the scheduling of such programming, in light of the Corporation's mandate to "reflect Canada and its regions to national and regional audiences, while serving the special needs of those regions"; and
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* the role of the public broadcaster in a 500-channel universe, particularly in terms of "Mass-Appeal" versus "Special-Interest" programming.
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b) Programming
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* The Corporation's plans to increase Canadian content in the daytime schedule of the English-language television network; its plans with respect to the broadcasting of Performing Arts programs, and the diversification of Canadian content;
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* the Corporation's plans with respect to the provision of programming for the deaf and hard-of-hearing;
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* the plans of the two networks with respect to providing programming aimed at children, and youth;
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* the Corporation's policies concerning the depiction of violence;
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* the Corporation's strategy for addressing the needs of Francophones communities outside Quebec;
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* the Corporation's plans with respect to its service to viewers in the North West Territories and the Yukon;
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* the CBC's strategies and policies governing the acquisition of sports programming; and
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* the influence of commercial considerations on programming and scheduling choices of the two television networks.
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c) Extension of Service
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* The progress the Corporation has achieved in extending its full television services in English and French to unserved communities, in particular those with a population of more than 500; and
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* the CBC's plans and objectives for the extension of its television network services and the replacement of private affiliates during the next licence term.
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d) Other
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* The English and French television networks' involvement with independent producers;
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* the Corporation's sales practices; and
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* the diversification of foreign content.
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The Commission emphasizes the importance it places on a full and open discussion at the public hearing regarding the Corporation's plans for the new licence term, particularly at a time of uncertainty about the Corporation's funding.
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Examination of applications:
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95 University Avenue
St. John's, Newfoundland
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162 Premier Drive
Corner Brook, Newfoundland
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98 Sullivan Avenue
Gander, Newfoundland
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2 Harris Avenue
Grand Falls, Newfoundland
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171 Hamilton River Road
Happy Valley/Goose Bay, Newfoundland
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Carol Drive
Labrador City, Newfoundland
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430 University Avenue
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
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5600 Sackville Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
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285 Alexandra Street
Sydney, Nova Scotia
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1160 Regent Street
Fredericton, New Brunswick
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250 Archibald Street
Moncton, New Brunswick
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560 Main Street
Saint John, New Brunswick
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1400 René-Lévesque Boulevard East
Montréal, Quebec
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2475 Laurier Boulevard
Sainte-Foy, Québec
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155 Saint-Sacrement Street
Matane, Quebec
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500 des Saguenéens Street
Chicoutimi, Quebec
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273 St-Jean-Baptiste Street West
Rimouski, Quebec
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350 Smith Street
Suite 30
Sept-Iles, Quebec
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Broadcast Centre
Reception 7C
7th Floor
250 Front Street
Toronto, Ontario
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250 Lanark Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
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1500 Bronson Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
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267 Pelissier Street
Security Building
9th Floor
Windsor, Ontario
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213 Miles Street East
Thunder Bay, Ontario
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15 Mackenzie Street
Sudbury, Ontario
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541 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba
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607 Langevin Street
Saint-Boniface, Manitoba
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7 Selkirk Avenue
Thompson, Manitoba
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2440 Broad Street
Regina, Saskatchewan
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CN Tower
5th Floor
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
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7909 - 51st Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
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1724 Westmount Boulevard North West
Calgary, Alberta
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700 Hamilton Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
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222 - 3rd Avenue
Prince Rupert, British Columbia
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243 Lawrence Avenue
Kelowna, British Columbia
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1268 - 5th Avenue West
Prince George, British Columbia
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CBC Office
Iqaluit, Northwest Territories
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Mackenzie Street
Inuvik, Northwest Territories
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CBC Office
Kivalliq, Northwest Territories
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5002 Forrest Drive
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
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3101 - 3rd Avenue
Whitehorse, Yukon Territory
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SPECIFIC INDIVIDUAL REQUIREMENTS
INTERVENERS REQUIRING SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION ARE REQUESTED TO INFORM THE COMMISSION AT LEAST TWENTY (20) DAYS BEFORE THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE PUBLIC HEARING SO THAT THE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS BE MADE.
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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION / PARTICIPATION DU PUBLIC
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Intervention
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- submit your original written intervention to the Secretary General of the Commission (CRTC, Ottawa, K1A 0N2);
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IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE COMMISSION AND PLACED ON THE PUBLIC FILE,
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- your intervention should clearly indicate whether you support or oppose the application or if you propose changes to it, with facts and grounds therefor and if you wish to appear at the public hearing;
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- a true copy MUST be sent to the applicant and a proof of such sending must accompany the original sent to the Commission;
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- the intervention must be received by the CRTC and by the applicant ON OR BEFORE the deadline date indicated below. The Commission cannot be held responsible for postal delays;
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- one may also communicate with the Commission
- by Telecopier: (819) 994-0218
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Your intervention will be considered by the Commission, and will form part of the public record of the proceed-ing without further notification to you, provided the procedure set out above has been followed. You will be contacted only if your submission raises procedural questions or if you have asked to appear at the Public Hearing.
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DEADLINE FOR INTERVENTION:
1st March 1994
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Copy of any intervention filed to application(s) by the CBC must be sent to:
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
c/o the Director of Corporate Affairs
1500 Bronson Avenue
P.O. Box 8478
Ottawa, Ontario
K1G 3J5
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EXAMINATION OF DOCUMENTS
DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS
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Documents are available upon publication
° at the local addresses provided in this notice;
° at the Commission's headquarters in Hull, Quebec and at the regional office directly involved (addresses provided below).
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Other CRTC regional offices will also make documents available upon request by interested parties (normal delay: 48 hours)
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Commission Headquarters
Central Building
Les Terrasses de la Chaudière
1 Promenade du Portage, Room 201
Hull, Quebec K1A 0N2
Tels: (819) 997-2429 - TDD 994-0423;
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Atlantic Regional Office
Suite 1007
Bank of Commerce Building
1809 Barrington Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3K8
Tels: (902) 426-7997 - TDD 426-6997;
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Quebec Regional Office
Place Montréal Trust
1800 McGill College Avenue
Suite 1920
Montréal, Quebec H3A 3J6
Tels: (514) 283-6607 - TDD 283-8316;
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Ontario Regional Office
Standard Life Centre
Suite 820
121 King Street West
Toronto, Ontario M5H 3T9
Tel: (416) 954-6273;
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Prairie Regional Office
Suite 1810
275 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B3
Tels: (204) 983-6306 - TDD 983-8274;
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Pacific and Northern Regional Office
Suite 1380, 800 Burrard Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6Z 2G7
Téls: (604) 666-2111 - TDD 666-0778
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Allan J. Darling
Secretary General
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