The Commission last reviewed its regulations for its processes and practices in 2009, 17 years before Parliament updated its broadcasting legislation through the 2023 Online Streaming Act. Stakeholders in the broadcasting and telecom sectors will discuss issues related to the CRTC’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, including changes in the law, the ways in which the CRTC actually implements its procedural regulations, and gaps in the Rules’ procedures and practices.
Participants include: CRTC Commissioner Bram Abramson (Keynote), Matt Thompson (Corus), Tahira Dawood (PIAC), Barry Rooke (NCRA), Brad Danks (OUTtv), Nathalie Blais (SCFP [CUPE]), Chris Tacit (Tacit Law), Suzanne Lamarre (Conseils stratégiques), Cori Ferguson (Consumers Council of Canada) and Matt Hatfield (OpenMedia).
Thursday, June 18, 2026: 10:30 am EDT to 4:30 pm EDT
10:30 am Welcome and introductions
10:40 am Keynote address: Commissioner Bram Abramson
11:00 am Current law on administrative tribunals’ procedures and practices:
The CRTC’s current Rules were developed from September 2009 to December 2010. Canadian law about administrative practices has changed since then – how could these changes affect the Commission’s procedural rules and its practices?
12:00 pm – 12:45 pm Break
12:45 pm The CRTC’s current regulation of its procedures and practices
The Commission last reviewed its regulations for its processes and practices in 2009, 17 years before Parliament updated its broadcasting legislation through the 2023 Online Streaming Act. What is known (or not known) about its approach – especially given the CRTC’s current plan for a consultation on the Rules this fall?
1:30 pm Part A: Gaps in regulatory procedures
Compared to the regulations of the Federal Court, the CRTC’s Rules are silent about certain steps in CRTC proceedings, such as the timing or service of online filings, changes in consultation proceedings announced by letter rather than notice, procedural requests or requests for information and certain types of proceedings (such as mediation and negotiation). How do these gaps affect parties’ ability to participate, and to what degree should the Rules describe the Commission’s expectations and requirements of parties?
2:40 pm – 2:55 pm Break
2:55 pm Gaps in the practices of the CRTC
Nearly all of the CRTC’s Rules focus on requirements for those participating in its proceedings, meaning that little is known or understood about the CRTC approach to matters involving outside parties. How does the absence of information about CRTC timing, notification and reasons affect participants in its proceedings, and to what degree should the Rules describe any requirements that the CRTC imposes on itself?
4:25 pm Conclusion