CRTC chair attempts to explain cost awards granted to CMAC
OTTAWA – During a meeting on C-18, the Online News Act, heritage minister Pablo Rodriguez and Ian Scott, chair of the CRTC, were also asked questions about the Community Media Advocacy Centre (CMAC) and its senior consultant Laith Marouf being awarded funding by the federal government and the CRTC.
Surprisingly, Rodriguez told the committee he did not know what was going on until the media reported on it – meaning he was not clued in on the matter at any point in the month that passed by between when the minister of housing and diversity and inclusion, Ahmed Hussen, was informed of Marouf’s racist Twitter posts and when Hussen made a public statement about it.
Scott for his part indicated the only cost awards CMAC was granted were two in 2021 related to an accessibility proceeding. All other awards the organization received for participating in CRTC proceedings were awarded through the Broadcasting Participation Fund (BPF), which is independent from the CRTC.
However, Scott also said the Commission can put conditions on future BPF funding – which could help avoid instances of people like Marouf and organizations like CMAC being awarded funding.
Additionally, he told the committee it is within the CRTC’s powers to not allow the participation of individuals or organizations when they “are aware that they are anti sematic or otherwise preaching hate.”
Scott noted they are further reviewing the way they award cost awards.
That being said, the funding CMAC was given was actually awarded outside of the traditional process – it was awarded like a cost award but not exactly the same as one because the CRTC was unable to award costs under the Accessibility Act. The awards were still granted because Bell Canada used funding from its deferral account for that specific purpose.
One of the key differences between CRTC cost awards and how the funding was awarded for the accessibility proceeding is there was no process outside of the applications being submitted and the CRTC awarding the costs. During traditional proceedings, parties to the proceeding would be able to comment on applications for cost awards. In instances where those who are not party to proceeding want to comment, there is the potential for this to be allowed.
CMAC does not have any applications for cost awards either through the CRTC or the Broadcasting Participation Fund currently being assessed.
