VANCOUVER – The Federal Government told the CRTC Thursday that it wants to be kept in the loop on how Canadians feel about unbundling their television channels.
“As stated in the most recent Speech from the Throne, our Government believes Canadian families should be able to choose the combination of television channels they want,” said Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, in a statement. “This decision is an important step in defending Canadian consumers, who want choice and flexibility in their television services. Our request will ensure that the CRTC develops a more complete roadmap to unbundle TV channels.”
The announcement quoted section 15 of the Broadcasting Act which gives the Government of Canada, via the Governor in council, the ability to request that the CRTC hold hearings or make reports on any matter within the jurisdiction of the Commission under the Act.
As Cartt.ca readers know, last month the CRTC launched wide-ranging consultations on the future of television in Canada, known as ‘Let’s Talk TV’. Minister Glover added that the report is to focus specifically on the issue of unbundling of television channels, including the steps the CRTC intends to take in that regard, and is due no later than April 30, 2014.
