Groups ask Joly to investigate allegations of racism at the CRTC

The Urban Alliance on Race Relations (UARR) and the Community Media Advocacy Centre (CMAC) have written to Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly to ask her to look into allegations of racism at the CRTC that surfaced this summer. In a Sept. 6 letter, the groups asked that “a transparent and accountable thirdparty process be initiated to investigate and address allegations of systemic and overt racism within the Commission.” Those allegations emerged in court documents related to the dismissal of former Ontario commissioner Raj Shoan, who alleged that fellow commissioner Linda Vennard made inappropriate and racist comments. Vennard has denied the allegations. Shoan was dismissed from the CRTC by the governor-in-council following an investigation that found he committed workplace harassment. However, a federal court judge last week set aside that decision, and Shoan’s lawyer argued in court this week that he should be temporarily reinstated. In their letter, the advocacy groups also called for Shoan’s reinstatement. The letter noted that Shoan was “the second person of colour ever to be appointed to the Commission in its 48 year history.” “CMAC and UARR wish to express deep sadness and disappointment about the lack of equitable representation at the Commission and the allegations of systemic and overt racism within the CRTC’s highest levels of governance,” the letter added. “Our organizations are deeply concerned that Shoan’s dismissal represents a grave mishandling of justice and due process, raising serious concerns about the transparency of the CRTC and its purported mandate to make decisions on behalf of all Canadians.” They asked to meet with the minister to discuss the issue, and for no other commissioner to be appointed in Shoan’s place until the various court cases initiated by Shoan against the CRTC are completed. The groups also asked that “the CRTC implement comprehensive antiracism education and training among its staff and appointees” and that “the Commission establish equitable representation through the appointment of Commissioners who are People of Colour, Indigenous people and people from the community broadcasting sector for the five further vacancies currently on the Commission.”

Groups ask Joly to investigate allegations of racism at the CRTC

Brief | September 9, 2016

Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need.

FREE TRIAL

SUBSCRIBE

Inside The Wire Report

Information

Hill Times Publishing

Get in Touch With Us

Groups ask Joly to investigate allegations of racism at the CRTC

Brief | September 9, 2016

Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need.

FREE TRIAL

SUBSCRIBE

Related Stories

CRTC hears mixed arguments on licence terms for radio broadcasters

CRTC sets relief planning committee for Quebec area codes

CRTC commissioner dissents on pitch to subsidize northern internet service

CRTC launches consult on challenges in broadcasting market

Reuse & Permissions

Inside The Wire Report

Information

Hill Times Publishing

Get in Touch With Us