Bertrand leaving CRTC for high-level consulting firm

In an announcement that caught industry executives and CRTC staffers off guard, Secor Consulting announced this week that Françoise Bertrand would be stepping down as commission chair on Feb. 15 to take over the strategic consulting practice at its Montreal firm. Bertrand’s five-year term was to end August 11, 2001. Commissioners are prohibited under conflict of interest guidelines from working for a CRTC-regulated company, or appearing before the commission on behalf of an applicant, for 12 months after their departure. However, they can work as consultants representing regulated companies. Secor’s clients have included France Télécom, Hydro-Québec, TVA, BCE Emergis, Bombardier, Astral Media, the Business Development Bank of Canada, Bell Canada International, and QuebecTel. It employs about 100 consultants, and has offices in Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa and Paris. It’s not uncommon for CRTC chairs to step down early. Still, the news seemed to catch some people by surprise, particularly since it appeared Bertrand was anxious to serve another term. Some industry executives, including Michael McCabe, president/CEO of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters, had already written letters supporting a second term for Bertrand. But insiders say the support wasn’t as widespread as she needed. Some commissioners are growing increasingly frustrated with how decisions are being made by the so-called "power elite", staff morale is low, and several senior staff have either left or been forced out over the past few years. To her credit, Bertrand did preside over some landmark proceedings, including reforms to most radio and broadcasting policies, and a 1998 hearing that led to new media being exempt from regulation. Bertrand’s new posting was announced just days after major decisions were released on both the broadcasting and telecommunications sides of the commission, including the licensing of new digital channels (see stories in this issue), the restructuring of local phone contribution, and a new subsidy pool for northern telco Northwestel. Between 1988 and 1995, Bertrand had been CEO of Radio-Québec. Previously, she was dean of resource management at the Université du Québec in Montreal. Before being appointed to the CRTC, she was at KPMG Management Consulting in Montreal. Plum appointments up for grabs The top job at the commission is one of three major political appointments in the communications sector the Liberal government must fill in the coming weeks. CBC chair Guylaine Saucier is stepping down effective Dec. 8, about three months before her term ends. Another senior job that may be up for grabs is the executive director’s position at Telefilm Canada. François Macerola’s term expires Jan. 4, and it’s uncertain whether he will stay on. As for the CRTC chair, possible candidates whose names have been floated include Richard Stursberg (former president/CEO of Cancom), David Johnston (president of the University of Waterloo and head of the federal government’s new National Broadband Task Force – Sheridan Scott (chief regulatory officer at Bell Canada) and Charles Dalfen (communications lawyer). Bertand’s final farewell email is available here.

Bertrand leaving CRTC for high-level consulting firm

Broadcast | December 7, 2000

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