Katz, Pentefountas, Denton, seeking CRTC chair position

At least three current commissioners have applied for the CRTC chair vacancy that the government says will be filled within weeks, a source with knowledge of the situation told The Wire Report this week. Three CRTC commissioners—acting chair Len Katz, vice-chair for broadcasting Tom Pentefountas, and national commissioner Tim Denton—have filed applications to serve as the commission’s new chair for a five-year term, the source, who asked not to be named, said. Katz has served as chair on an interim basis since former chair Konrad von Finckenstein’s term expired in January. James Maunder, a spokesman for Heritage Minister James Moore, told The Wire Report in an emailed statement that the government will appoint a new chair in a number of weeks. “I can't comment on the internal process,” Maunder said. “The Government of Canada intends to appoint a Chair of the CRTC in the coming weeks.” Senior public servant Jean-Pierre Blais has also been rumoured as candidate for the position. Jean-Francois Mezei, a consultant with Montreal firm Vaxination Informatique, wrote on Twitter on April 24 that Blais “is being considered” for the position. Blais served as assistant deputy minister for cultural affairs at Heritage Canada, but the government staff directory no longer lists him in that position. His name is listed as assistant secretary of the government operations sector with the Treasury Board. One industry source said on a background basis that Blais has been a strong supporter of the cultural sector, which may not necessarily help his candidacy. The Conservative government posted a job vacancy for the chair’s position in January with executive search firm Renaud Foster accepting applications. “As Chief Executive Officer of the CRTC, the Chairperson establishes the corporate vision and values, defines the strategic priorities and plans and sets up the organization structure and operational systems and processes to guide the work of members and staff,” the notice said. news@thewirereport.ca

Katz, Pentefountas, Denton, seeking CRTC chair position

News | April 26, 2012

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