Note: This story has been updated on Tuesday morning with comments from the Competitive Network Operators of Canada and former CRTC Chairman Konrad von Finckenstein
By Ahmad Hathout
OTTAWA — Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez announced today the appointment of lawyer Vicky Eatrides as chairwoman of the CRTC for five years, effective January 5.
Eatrides will replace outgoing chairman Ian Scott, who leaves the post on January 4.
Eatrides is a lawyer who has worked since 2005 in various federal positions, including for the Competition Bureau, Natural Resources Canada, and Innovation Canada. Over a 12-year period at the Competition Bureau, she held senior positions including senior deputy commissioner and has “developed expertise in telecommunications, broadcasting and new technologies by leading merger reviews, civil and criminal investigations, and regulatory interventions,” according to a news release.
“I expect Ms. Eatrides will have a more independent, critical competition lens, especially to telecom – one that sees the consumer side just as well as the corporate side,” said John Lawford, executive director of the Public Interest Advocacy Centre. “She will bring a more positive and active approach to the role and I am sure will set the tone for the CRTC as it faces quite the workload.”
When Scott was appointed to the position of CRTC chair five years ago, critics in the industry were concerned that his background in the telecommunications industry — specifically his time as an executive at Telus and lobbyist for satellite company Telesat — would bring decisions more favourable to industry. Those critics viewed the Scott appointment against his predecessor, Jean-Pierre Blais, who was known to bring a consumer-centric view to the post.
“I think this is a great appointment,” said former CRTC Chairman Konrad von Finckenstein, who also has a competition background. “She brings the right public and public sector experience to the job. Her competition experience is key. Only competition will drive prices down particularly in the wireless domain I am sure she will succeed in implementing the coming legislation in a thoughtful way resulting in better competition, improved consumer benefits and a thriving industry.”
The CRTC may have an additional workload if legislation going through Parliament is passed. That includes legislation empowering the commission to take further measures on forcing digital platforms to contribute to the Canadian media landscape.
Heritage also announced the next two vice chairs of telecommunications and broadcasting. Adam Scott will be the vice chair of telecommunication effective January 16, after the sudden retirement of Christianne Laizner. Scott has over 20 years in federal government experience on the telecom and spectrum policy file, having worked at Innovation Canada since 2001. He is currently director general of the department’s spectrum policy division. He has been responsible for advising on telecom regulatory and competition issues.
“We are pleased to see 2 public servants with excellent reputations appointed, rather than someone with close linkages to the industry,” Geoff White, executive director of independent ISP representative the Competitive Network Operators of Canada, adding they are well-regarded and have deep technical skill. “That is an important step in the right direction to restoring trust in the CRTC.”
White added that the “main issue in Telecom these days is the lack of competition and so to have someone at the helm who is an expert on competition is very promising.
“All around we are very pleased. The minister made very well-considered appointments. Now, our industry isn’t out of the woods. It will take time to fix the damage done to the competitive framework, and small ISPs are hurting,” he added, alluding to controversial decisions by the current commission including reversing proposed lower wholesale wireline costs and limiting mandatory access to the large incumbent wireless facilities.
“But now we have a clear policy direction and good people to implement it.” Earlier this year, Innovation Canada proposed a new policy direction, which is yet to be implemented, emphasizing improved wholesale rates, innovation, competition and affordability.
Alicia Barin, who has served as interim broadcasting vice chair, has also been extended for five years effective February 8 in the role that was set to expire the day before. Barin, who is also the commission representative from Quebec since 2019, took up the vice chair role in August. She spent over 20 years in the broadcast industry, with senior positions at Astral Media before it was acquired by Bell in 2013.
The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association said in a statement that, “We congratulate Vicky Eatrides, Alicia Barin and Adam Scott on their appointments and look forward to working with them to help ensure Canada remains a world leader in telecommunications.”
Photo of Vicky Eatrides from Competition Bureau
