ARCHIVED - Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission - Report

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Section II - Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome(s)

 

Program Activity by Strategic Outcome

Program Activity 1.1: Canadian Broadcasting

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ millions)
2011–12		2012–13		2013–14
FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending
133	17.6	133	17.6	133	17.6

 

Program Activity Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
The Canadian broadcasting system consists of a variety of voices that represent Canada’s linguistic and cultural diversity	Levels of Canadian content on television and radio.	Canadian-produced programming should account for at least 35% of popular musical selections on radio and 55%of programming on conventional television.
	The diversity of voices, as measured in the CRTC Communications Monitoring Report, for radio and conventional television	An environment where no single entity controls a predominant share of the audience. The Commission will carefully examine transactions that would result in the control by one person of between 35% and 45% of the total television audience share— including audiences to both discretionary and conventional services.
Canadians continue to have access to the broadcasting system through traditional and new platforms.	Conventional television broadcasters successfully managed transition from analog to digital transmission to ensure access for all Canadians.	All conventional television broadcasters in urban areas have achieved transition from analog to digital transmission.  All conventional television broadcasters in non-metropolitan areas have developed alternate solutions in place to ensure access to digital signals.

Planning Highlights : Broadcasting Sector

Implementation of the Broadcasting Distribution Undertaking and Specialty Services Policy
In 2008, the CRTC set out new policies to ensure its regulatory frameworks for cable and satellite companies and specialty and pay television services are appropriate for a multi-platform digital environment. The majority of changes will come into effect on August 31, 2011, a date that coincides with the transition from analog to digital television. The CRTC continues to implement these policies in preparation for the deadline. The updated regulatory framework will ensure that Canadians have access to a greater choice of high-quality Canadian programming.

CBC/SRC Licence Renewals
In 2011–2012, the CRTC will undertake a public process to renew the licences of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation/Société Radio-Canada’s radio and television services for the first time in more than 10 years. The public consultation will allow for a broad discussion on the role of the national public broadcaster in the digital environment.

Accessibility Policy
As television and radio licences are issued and renewed in the next two years, the CRTC will implement the requirements and follow up on the processes established in its regulatory policy on the accessibility of broadcasting and telecommunications services to persons with disabilities. Activities under this program will ensure, for example, improved access for persons with disabilities to described video and closed captioning.

New Policies for Community Television and Community and Campus Radio
In 2010, the CRTC issued new policies for community television and community and campus radio. The CRTC will implement the revised policies through conditions of licence and changes to the Radio Regulations, the Television Broadcasting Regulations and the Broadcasting Distribution Regulations. These policies will ensure that the community-broadcasting sector makes a strong contribution to the achievement of the Broadcasting Act’s objectives.

Local Programming Improvement Fund (LPIF)
In 2009–2010, the CRTC established the LPIF to maintain local television programming in non-metropolitan television markets across Canada. In 2011–2012, the CRTC will continue to support the administration of the LPIF by assessing applications for contribution exemptions and funding eligibility.

Monitoring
In 2011–2012, the CRTC will monitor the financial and market performance of the Canadian communications industry and its participants.

In addition, the Commission will oversee the development of reporting requirements for new media broadcasting services. The CRTC will work with the New Media Reporting Working Group to identify appropriate definitions and metrics, which will facilitate the development of standardized criteria and measurement tools by the industry. In its policy for new media broadcasting services, the CRTC recognized that it is necessary to monitor new media broadcasting to gauge its growing importance within the Canadian broadcasting system.

Benefits for Canadians

The broadcasting industry is an essential element of the Canadian economy. It is also a pillar of the cultural, information and entertainment landscapes. Although the global economic downturn put pressure on the industry, Canadians continue to realize important benefits, such as:

• more than 32,700 jobs
• new mechanisms that support local programming
• timely and efficient complaints-resolution mechanisms
• a diversity of voices within the Canadian communications industry
• enhanced access by persons with disabilities to television programming
• better and increased access to television programming in digital and high-definition formats
• a flexible and forward-looking regulatory framework that responds to evolving consumer needs and industry realities, and
• access to high-quality, diverse Canadian programming from the private, public and community elements of the Canadian broadcasting system.

Program Activity 1.2: Canadian Telecommunications

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ millions)
2011–12		2012–13		2013–14
FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending
147	18.0	147	17.8	147	17.6

 

Program Activity Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
Canadians have increased access to service providers that offer reliable telecommunications services at just and reasonable rates	Percentage of residential phone lines served by competitors of the incumbent telephone companies.	Annual 2% increase
	Percentage of Canadians that subscribe to mobile services	Annual 2% increase
	Percentage of Canadians that subscribe to broadband Internet services (1.5 Mbps or higher)	Annual 2% increase

 

Planning Highlights: Telecommunications Sector

National Do Not Call List (DNCL)
In 2008, the CRTC launched the National DNCL to reduce the number of unwanted telemarketing calls and help ensure the privacy of Canadians. In 2011–2012, the CRTC will:

• manage the National DNCL Operator
• submit an annual report to Parliament
• investigate complaints and enforce the Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules, and
• educate consumers and telemarketers about the National DNCL and the associated rules.

Action Plans for Reviewing Regulatory Measures
In 2007–2008, the CRTC established action plans to review existing regulatory measures in light of the government’s policy direction to rely as much as possible on market forces. Since then, the Commission has reviewed most of the regulatory measures identified in the action plans.

In 2011–2012, the Commission will launch proceedings to review the remaining measures, which include the network-interconnection regime, consumer billing statements and inside wiring repair.

Accessibility Policy
In 2011–2012, the CRTC will implement the requirements for telecommunications service providers and initiate the follow-up processes established in the regulatory policy concerning the accessibility of broadcasting and telecommunications services. Activities under this program will ensure, among other things, improved access for persons with disabilities to relay services, mobile wireless handsets and customer information and support.

Monitoring Activities
In 2011–2012, the CRTC will monitor the financial and market performance of the Canadian communications industry and its participants, as well as the deployment of broadband facilities and capabilities. The CRTC will assess the extent to which Canadians have access to advanced telecommunications services, particularly mobile broadband services. The CRTC will continue to work with Statistics Canada to streamline data-reporting requirements and procedures. The CRTC will also release its annual Communications Monitoring Report.

Dispute Resolution
The CRTC’s role in resolving disputes is expected to grow as competition increases in a converged environment with less regulation and greater reliance on market forces. Parties are encouraged to resolve their differences through bilateral negotiations, private third-party mediation or arbitration, or other means. If they are unable to resolve matters independently, parties may approach the CRTC for staff-assisted mediation, final-offer arbitration or expedited hearings. Streamlined dispute-resolution tools contribute to a more effective, predictable and efficient regulatory framework for stakeholders, and improved services to Canadians.  

Benefits for Canadians

The CRTC oversees more than 1,000 telecommunications service providers, including wireline and wireless telephone companies.  The CRTC is working closely with government and industry to ensure that Canadians fully benefit from the new digital economy.

• Canadians’ confidence in electronic commerce and the Internet will increase as a result of the CRTC’s enforcement activities under the anti-spam legislation.
• Canadians will continue to enjoy innovative telecommunications services through an efficient interconnection regime and rules mandating access to high-speed Internet networks.
• As the National DNCL enters its third year, efficient investigative and enforcement processes will result in increased compliance with the rules and privacy for Canadians.
• The review of the Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunications Services will result in more robust industry self-regulation mechanisms in markets that the CRTC no longer regulates.

Program Activity 1.3: Internal Services

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ millions)
2011–12		2012–13		2013–14
FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending	FTEs	Planned Spending
168	18.2	168	17.9	168	17.9

 

Program Activity Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets
The CRTC incorporates a new, streamlined regulatory framework and reporting process for industry.	Successful implementation of the converged Rules of Practice and Procedure.	Implementation by April 1, 2011, with all internal processes adapted to the new regulations.
The CRTC is an expert, innovative and effective organization.	Successful implementation of the CRTC's continuity plan as part of the Public Service Renewal Action Plan.	Talent development plans are in place for all employees. All leadership positions have been filled.
	The availability and use of the CRTC e-hearing tool.	All public hearing documents are made available electronically to Commissioners and staff.

Planning Highlights: Internal Services

Enhanced Information Technology (IT) Management  
The CRTC will continue to harmonize its IT planning process to reduce complexity, promote system integration and optimize service delivery. Through various initiatives, the CRTC will improve its electronic-communication capabilities, implement an integrated case-management system, increase Canadians’ access to a broad range of information and update its IT risk-management program and governance model.

Public Service Renewal
Nearly 30 percent of the Commission’s workforce is eligible to retire in the next five years. As a result, the CRTC has enacted a three-year strategic human resources plan to recruit, develop and retain employees with the skills, knowledge and expertise necessary to support the CRTC. The Commission will continue with important initiatives such as leadership-development training, job standardization, employee orientation and professional development and training. The CRTC has also launched an intensive review of its internal processes to ensure that they are current and meet the needs of the organization and its stakeholders.

Greening of Public Hearing Processes
The CRTC will continue to offer online access to all files related to public its hearings and all Commission staff will be able to access hearing documents electronically through its new e-hearing tool. It will also adopt a revised method for the secure submission and distribution of official documentation via the CRTC website. Teleconferencing and videoconferencing services are being used extensively for Commission meetings. These initiatives will enable the CRTC to reduce costs and provide faster, more efficient and environmentally responsible services to the public.

The CRTC has adopted these and other initiatives to help minimize costs and reduce its environmental footprint.  They are in keeping with the government’s cost-containment measures included in Budget 2010 and the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat’s directive on spending for travel, hospitality and conferences.

Benefits for Canadians

The pace of technological change within Canada’s communications industry continues to increase rapidly.  The CRTC is adapting to this changing environment through the introduction of a number of initiatives including:  

• new processes to allow for faster and more efficient access to Commission information
• streamlined and converged rules that will be better adapted to new technologies and an increasingly integrated communications industry.
• improved electronic communications capabilities to allow for better service and access for Canadians, and
• greener practices to reduce costs, enhance effectiveness and reduce environmental impact.

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