ASL – Summary of the Notice of Consultation on public interest participation (1 of 3)
Video is also available in Langue des signes québecoise (LSQ).
Video Transcript
What is this proceeding about: improving funding for public participation in Commission proceedings
Currently, individuals and public interest groups that wish to participate in Commission proceedings have access to different sources of funding, depending on the type of proceeding they are participating in. For instance, in telecommunications, they can apply directly to the Commission to receive funding for their costs. In broadcasting, they can apply to the Broadcasting Participation Fund (BPF), an organization that is funded by broadcasters and is independent of the Commission. More information on the current rules, as well as what other tribunals do, is available in the Appendix to the notice.
The Commission’s rules for funding public interest participation in its proceedings have not been reviewed in over 10 years. Recent developments related to the legislation governing the Commission, including amendments to the Broadcasting Act, the introduction of the Online News Act, the issuance of the Order Issuing Directions to the CRTC on a Renewed Approach to Telecommunications Policy, and the issuance of the Order Issuing Directions to the CRTC (Sustainable and Equitable Broadcasting Regulatory Framework), provide an opportunity to review such rules.
Some public interest groups have told the Commission that obtaining funding to cover some of their costs to participate in Commission proceedings can be complicated, especially because different rules apply to different proceedings. Some have also told the Commission that funding can be unpredictable, can take a long time to obtain, and is generally only available to groups that represent consumers.
Given those concerns and recent legislative and policy developments, the Commission is calling for comments on how to better support public participation.
The Commission has expressed certain preliminary views in the notice:
- Given that the rates not been reviewed since 2010, they should be increased.
- A single application process for any Commission proceeding may be a better approach.
- In the context of what costs are eligible for reimbursement, a simple and predictable funding model is preferable.
- Interim costs procedures should be simplified.
This consultation will explore new ways to fund the participation of groups that represent the public interest in CRTC proceedings to help ensure a diverse range of perspectives are reflected in its public records.
This video in sign language shows a summary of the Notice of Consultation – A new approach to funding public interest participation in Commission proceedings
Notice of Consultation CRTC 2025-94
Consultation on improving public interest participation
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