Was on wireless policy review panel
GATINEAU – The five-year term of Christopher MacDonald, the CRTC commissioner for Atlantic Canada and Nunavut expired Tuesday June 16, leaving the Regulator down at least two commissioners.
Former Alberta and Northwest Territories commissioner Linda Vennard’s term expired in May.
The federal government called for applications earlier this year for their replacements but have not named anyone, which is not surprising given how the Covid-19 crisis has delayed everything else. We say “at least” two commissioners because the Regulator can have up to 13 and currently has seven active commissioners. Chairman Ian Scott’s is the next to expire, on September 4, 2022.
What is somewhat surprising (to us at Cartt.ca anyway, and a few on Twitter), was that MacDonald was not extended as commissioner at least until the CRTC’s new wireless policy was set. It is unusual for a commissioner who helped oversee such a major proceeding to depart prior to that decision being rendered.
As someone with telecom in his career background (he worked for Rogers), MacDonald was a key member of the Commission during this proceeding, including the public hearing.
When asked about being a hand short while the CRTC continues to consider new wireless policies, CRTC spokesperson Patricia Valladao told Cartt.ca “the panel will continue the work without Commissioner MacDonald.”
