OTTAWA-GATINEAU – In unveiling its highly anticipated three-year plan the CRTC says it will focus efforts on three key pillars it refers to as “connect,” “create” and “protect.” The commission said it will be targeting specific results from each of the pillars and will report annually on its progress towards their achievement.

For example, it pledged to keep a close watch on the availability of Canadian programs, the amount spent annually on their creation and the audiences they attract. The regulator will also monitor broadband speeds and the choice of Internet service providers available to Canadians, as well as the prices paid for telephone services. And will track the percentage of Canadians receiving telemarketing calls and spam.

"The activities identified under each of these pillars will serve to foster a world-class communication system for Canadians as citizens, creators and consumers,” said Jean-Pierre Blais, Chairman of the CRTC in a statement.

The activities under the "create" pillar ensure that Canadians have access to compelling creative content from diverse sources and on a variety of platforms says the CRTC. Between 2012 and 2015, the commission will conduct a series of policy reviews, including a targeted review of the commercial radio policy for French- and English-language markets. It will also initiate a public proceeding to renew the licences of independent television services.

Ensuring Canadians can connect to quality and innovative communication services at affordable prices and have access to creative content will fall under the "connect" pillar ensure. Over the next three years the CRTC plans to review issues related to the accessibility of telecommunication services and the wholesale services large companies must provide to their competitors.

The commission will also focus on promoting compliance under its "protect" pillar and will continue to enforce the telemarketing rules and begin to enforce Canada's anti-spam legislation once it comes into force. In addition, the CRTC will promote the safety of Canadians by monitoring the deployment of the public alert system and reviewing the regulatory framework for next-generation 911 services.

"It can sometimes be a challenge for Canadian consumers to make informed decisions in a competitive marketplace," explained Blais. "We will continually review our regulatory framework to make sure it empowers consumers by giving them the tools they need. We will also ensure that the regulatory framework remains aligned with the evolving communication industry."

The CRTC says its efforts will be underpinned by a commitment to management excellence, which will ensure that its decisions are grounded in the public service’s values and ethics, that it is a “responsible steward of public funds and that it is accountable to Canadians.”

As part of its ongoing plans, the CRTC intends to review its regulatory framework to “ensure that it is forward-looking, effective and efficient, and that it remains aligned with a rapidly evolving and innovative environment.” In particular, the new framework will “empower consumers by providing them with the tools they need in order to make informed choices in a competitive marketplace.”

Other key ongoing activities for Create, Connect and Protect

 

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