Broadcasting - Commission Letter addressed to Laurent Cournoyer (Radio Diffusion Sorel-Tracy inc.)
Ottawa, 14 October 2021
BY EMAIL
Mr. Laurent Cournoyer
President
Radio Diffusion Sorel-Tracy inc.
100 Gagné Blvd.
Sorel-Tracy (Québec) J3P 7S6
laurent.cournoyer@cjso.ca
Re: Audit of Radio Diffusion Sorel Tracy inc.’s (Sorel-Tracy) tangible benefit requirements for the 2015-2016, 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 broadcast years
Dear Mr. Cournoyer:
As part of its annual audit of tangible benefit contributions, the Commission recently reviewed Sorel-Tracy’s contributions for the 2015-2016, 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 broadcast years imposed as a result of the ownership application approved via administrative letter dated 13 May 2015. During this audit, Commission staff identified issues with several expenditures claimed towards meeting Sorel-Tracy’s CCD tangible benefit requirements.
This letter is to inform you that the Commission finds that Sorel-Tracy did not make the required expenditures towards meeting its tangible benefit obligations in the 2015-2016, 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 broadcast years. The non-compliance stems from a shortfall in payments towards the CCD tangible benefit requirements.
Below is a breakdown of the ineligible expenditures by broadcast year:
| Broadcast Year | Issue | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 2015-2016 | The licensee was required to make $2,366 in payments towards the tangible benefit requirement in the 2015-2016 broadcast year. No payments were made in the broadcast year however the licensee claimed payments totalling $1,972 which were only made on 30 August 2017, one year late. The Commission accepts the claimed payments however there remains a shortfall of $394. | $394 |
| 2016-2017 | The licensee was required to make $2,366 in payments towards the tangible benefit requirement in the 2016-2017 broadcast year. The licensee made payments of only $197, resulting in a shortfall of $2,169. | $2,169 |
| 2017-2018 | The licensee was required to make $2,366 in payments towards the tangible benefit requirement in the 2017-2018 broadcast year. The licensee made no payments towards meeting this requirement, resulting in a shortfall of $2,366. | $2,366 |
| Total | $4,929 | |
As a result of these findings, the Commission directs Sorel-Tracy to pay the total shortfall of $4,929 within 30 days of the date of the letter, as follows:
- $2,957 to Fonds Radiostar (60%);
- $1,479 to MUSICACTION (30%); and
- $493 to the CRFC (10%).
In addition, the Commission directs Sorel-Tracy to file proof of payment for the total shortfall ($4,929) with the Commission, within 60 days of the date of this letter.
Further information on CCD contributions and eligible initiatives can be found on the CRTC website: http://www.crtc.gc.ca/ENG/GENERAL/ccdparties.htm
The Commission notes that failure to supply sufficient documentation to support the eligibility of Sorel-Tracy’s contributions for future broadcast years may result in the Commission finding these contributions ineligible and may affect the party’s compliance with regulatory obligations.
Lastly, the Commission notes that the determinations set out in this letter address only the 2015-2016, 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 broadcast years and do not relate to any subsequent broadcast years.
Yours sincerely,
Original signed by Lilia Trombetti for
Claude Doucet
Secretary General
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