CRTC considers simplifying, boosting funding for public interest participation

The CRTC has launched a consultation to review and simplify how it supports public interest groups’ participation in its proceedings. In the notice, issued Monday, May 12, the regulator stated that it already has systems in place to support individuals and groups that represent consumer interests, but those rules have not been reviewed in over 10 years. The CRTC acknowledged some complaints that the process to secure funding is complicated, unpredictable, restrictive, and slow, saying that it intends to address these issues. The regulator is considering increasing the amount of funding that public interest parties can receive to help them participate in any particular CRTC proceeding, and expanding who can be eligible for that funding. It is also weighing changes to how it decides which companies should contribute to the funding and how much. READ MORE: -- CRTC commissioner encourages participation in upcoming consultations -- Advocacy groups call on CRTC to share schedule for upcoming Online Streaming Act proceedings Currently, only individuals and groups that represent consumer interests can receive funding to cover some of the costs of taking part. For telecom proceedings, they must apply to the CRTC; for broadcasting proceedings, they must apply to the Broadcasting Participation Fund (BPF), an independent third-party fund that is financed by tangible benefits payments received from Canadian broadcasters during ownership transactions. Individuals are only eligible for travel costs or “other disbursements,” such as printing costs, but groups can access “broader funding,” including for time spent working on submissions or attending a public hearing, the CRTC noted. The CRTC is of the view that the general process should be streamlined so that there is one cost application process for all types of proceedings. It is asking if the BPF’s mandate should be expanded to administer those funds, or if a different organization would be better suited for it. “The commission’s main objective in this public proceeding is to develop a system that encourages the broadest, most diverse range of participants in its proceedings while being transparent and accountable,” the commission wrote in its notice. Among other questions, the regulator is also asking how it can broaden its eligibility criteria so that funding can reach a variety of groups, including people with disabilities, official language minorities, racialized Canadians, and Indigenous peoples. Interested parties have until Sept. 9 to submit their comments to the CRTC. Those looking to apply for interim costs must do so by June 11. news@thewirereport.ca

CRTC considers simplifying, boosting funding for public interest participation

Regulatory |
By Wire Report Staff
| May 12, 2025

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CRTC considers simplifying, boosting funding for public interest participation

Regulatory | By Wire Report Staff | May 12, 2025

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