Charles Dalfen has been appointed chairperson of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission effective January 1, 2002. Dalfen’s no stranger to the organization, having served as its vice-chair from 1976 until 1980. The Canadian Association of Broadcasters was quick to applaud the appointment, though some telecommunications firms will likely look askance at the announcement, having been quietly pushing to have the top job at the commission filled by a person with more experience in that field. Dalfen is a senior partner in the Torys law firm, where he chairs the communications law group, and advises clients on domestic and international telecommuications and broadcasting law. During his career, he has also managed regulatory and licensing matters for clients involved in the radio, television, cable TV, satellite and related fields. He has also served as legal advisor to the former federal Department of Communications. He replaces David Colville, who has served as acting chair since the departure of Françoise Bertrand on February 15.

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