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Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2026-164

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Reference: 2026-37

Gatineau, 8 July 2026

Arsenal Media Inc.
Québec, Quebec

Public record: 2025-0586-8
Public hearing in the National Capital Region
30 April 2026

CJSQ-FM Québec – Change in ownership and effective control

Summary

The Commission approves an application by Arsenal Media Inc. (Arsenal), on behalf of Media ClassiQ Inc. (Media ClassiQ) for authority to change the ownership and effective control of the French-language commercial FM radio programming undertaking operating the radio station CJSQ-FM Québec, Quebec. Through this transaction, Arsenal will acquire from Media ClassiQ the assets related to the operation of CJSQ-FM.

The Commission also approves Arsenal’s request for a new broadcasting licence and to amend the conditions of service for CJSQ-FM in order to convert the commercial radio station, currently operating under a Specialty format (Classical music), to a commercial radio station operating under a mainstream format.

The Commission finds that approving this transaction is in the public interest, as it will help ensure that the station continues to provide local programming to the community of Québec.

Application

  1. On 30 November 2025, the Commission received an application from Arsenal Media Inc. (Arsenal), on behalf of Media ClassiQ Inc. (Media ClassiQ), for authority to change the ownership and effective control of the French-language commercial FM radio programming undertaking operating the radio station CJSQ-FM Québec, Quebec. Through this transaction, Arsenal would acquire from Media ClassiQ the assets related to the operation of CJSQ-FM.
  2. Arsenal also requested a new broadcasting licence to continue the operation of the station under the same terms and conditions as those currently in effect, with the exception of the conditions of service relating to the operation of the commercial radio station under the Specialty format (Classical music). Approval of this request would allow Arsenal to replace CJSQ-FM’s current format with a mainstream format.
  3. Finally, Arsenal indicated that its application is conditional on approval of this format change.
  4. Arsenal is owned by Sylvain Chamberland (75.12%) and Gestion DR (2001) Inc. (24.88%). Sylvain Chamberland exercises effective control.
  5. Media ClassiQ is wholly owned by Groupe Radio Greg inc. Gregory Charles exercises effective control.
  6. On 24 November 2025, Arsenal reached an agreement with Media ClassiQ to acquire the assets of CJSQ-FM.
  7. Arsenal proposed a value of the transaction for the assets of $894,292, which includes the purchase price and the total value of leases payable over five years. No liabilities would be assumed and no working capital would be transferred at closing. Arsenal also proposed a tangible benefits package of $53,657,which represents 6% of the proposed value of the transaction.

Interventions

  1. The Commission received a joint intervention (consisting of 31 letters filed by Arsenal) in support of this application. It also received two opposing interventions, one from Leclerc Communication inc. (Leclerc) and one from Bell Media Inc. (Bell Media), and an intervention in comment from the Société professionnelle des auteurs, compositeurs du Québec et des artistes entrepreneurs (SPACQ-AE), to which Arsenal replied.
  2. The interventions and the reply are addressed below.

Regulatory framework

  1. The review of ownership transactions is an essential element of the Commission’s regulatory and supervisory mandate under the Broadcasting Act (the Act). Obtaining a licence to operate a broadcasting undertaking (in this case, a radio station) is a regulatory privilege granted by the Commission. A licensee does not have the authority to transfer a licence to a new operator as they see fit.
  2. For this reason, licensees must obtain the Commission’s approval before concluding any action, agreement, or transaction that changes, directly or indirectly, the effective control of the radio station. This requirement is set out in subsection 11(4) of the Radio Regulations, 1986 (the Regulations).
  3. When seeking the Commission’s approval, the applicant must demonstrate that the benefits of the transaction are commensurate with the size and nature of the transaction and that the application represents the best possible proposal under the circumstances. The Commission will consider the application on its merits and will approve the transaction if the change in ownership and effective control is in the public interest. The public interest is reflected in the Canadian broadcasting and regulatory policy set out in subsections 3(1) and 5(2) of the Act.
  4. Under subsection 18(1) of the Act, the Commission must conduct a public hearing for the issuance of a broadcasting licence. Broadcasting Information Bulletins 2011-222 and 2008-8-2 outline that the Commission generally reviews applications related to the acquisition of assets through public hearings, either appearing or non-appearing. Applications are non-appearing where the Commission is satisfied that the applicant and interested parties had an opportunity to present their views and that the written record is sufficient and further discussion is not necessary.

Issues

  1. After examining the record for this application in light of applicable regulations and policies, the Commission considers that it must address the following issues:
    • whether the applicant’s ownership structure satisfies the requirements for Canadian ownership and control;
    • whether the proposed transaction is in the public interest;
    • the value of the transaction and tangible benefits;
    • the allocation of tangible benefits; and
    • whether the proposed transaction fulfills the regulatory requirements.

Canadian ownership and control

  1. Pursuant to paragraph 3(1)(a) of the Act, the Canadian broadcasting system shall be effectively owned and controlled by Canadians. As required by the Direction to the CRTC (Ineligibility of Non-Canadians)Footnote 1 (the Direction), no broadcasting licence can be issued to a non-Canadian.
  2. Arsenal is a corporation incorporated in Quebec. Effective control is exercised by Sylvain Chamberland, president and chief executive officer, and the principal shareholder, a Canadian. As such, the proposed transaction satisfies the eligibility criteria set out in the Direction.

Public interest of the proposed transaction

  1. When the Commission evaluates whether a transaction is in the public interest, it examines the extent to which the transaction improves the Canadian broadcasting system and contributes to meeting the policy objectives of the Act. Section 3 of that Act describes a broadcasting system that contributes to the creation and presentation of Canadian programming, and through its programming reflects the multicultural and multiracial nature of Canadian society. Furthermore, the programming that the system provides should be drawn from local and regional sources and should ensure that a diversity of news voices is offered to the public.
Positions of parties
  1. Media ClassiQ indicated that it wishes to sell CJSQ-FM due to financial losses incurred over the past five years. It noted that even though it continued to operate the station and maintained the classical music format, it was unable to achieve profitability. In its view, the sale is the only solution to avoid the closure of the station.
  2. Arsenal stated that the acquisition of CJSQ-FM would be consistent with its expansion and consolidation strategy in Québec and would allow the station to remain in operation. It indicated that it has the expertise required to revitalize struggling stations and specified that CJSQ-FM would benefit from operational synergies, particularly in the areas of administration, technical operations, sales, and news.
  3. Arsenal also submitted a request to amend the conditions of service of CJSQ-FM in order to replace the station’s current format with a mainstream format. In its supplementary brief, Arsenal indicated that the station has been unable to establish itself in its Specialty format (Classical music). In Arsenal’s view, the format change is essential to the continued operation of the station, as it would allow the station to reach a broader audience and increase revenues.
  4. Furthermore, Arsenal indicated that it plans to operate the station under a musical format consisting of country hits. It added that the diversity of musical choices available to listeners in the immediate area around Québec would increase, as this musical format is not currently offered there.
  5. In their interventions, Leclerc and Bell Media opposed the format change. They argued that this request is equivalent to introducing a new mainstream commercial radio station in the Québec market without first conducting an assessment of the market’s capacity to accommodate an additional player. In their view, this market is already fragile and cannot accommodate a new mainstream commercial radio station.
  6. Bell Media added that the Commission should not authorize such a station before completing the modernization of its policies for radio and audio streaming in Canada.Footnote 2
  7. Leclerc stated that Arsenal’s application should instead be examined on the basis of the evidence on the record and should take into account the characteristics of the Québec market, the preservation of programming diversity, and the integrity of the licensing process, rather than on the basis of the financial difficulties cited by Arsenal. It added that the format change would be contrary to the public interest, as it would result in the elimination of a protected specialty musical voice and would reduce programming diversity in the Québec market.
  8. Leclerc noted that its station CJEC-FM Québec broadcasts country hits and programming related to that musical genre. Leclerc expressed the view that Arsenal’s application would therefore add neither a new category nor an additional specialty service.
  9. In its reply, Arsenal indicated that the musical format it is proposing is not offered in the Québec market, since the other musical formats currently offered are Triple A (adult alternative music), Hot AC (contemporary adult music), and classic rock. It added that the audience targeted by CJSQ-FM is limited and has largely migrated to other platforms. Arsenal also noted that in 2020, the Commission recognized a similar decline in listeners and audience share by authorizing CJPX-FM Montréal, Quebec,Footnote 3 the sister station of CJSQ-FM, to transition from a specialty commercial station to a mainstream commercial station.
  10. Arsenal indicated that its proposal aims to implement, in a structured manner, a country music format, which is not currently offered on a full-time basis in the Québec market. In its view, this change to musical format would ensure the long-term viability of the station. It also noted that more than 30 country music artists and producers supported its application.
  11. Furthermore, Arsenal expressed the view that Leclerc’s and Bell Media’s statements suggesting that approval of its application would allow it to enter the Québec market through a backdoor arrangement are inappropriate given the circumstances of this application. It noted that the decisions cited by Leclerc in its intervention concerned contexts in which the proposed amendments were aimed primarily at competitive repositioning, whereas the amendment proposed in this application is intended to ensure the continuity of the station. Moreover, Arsenal emphasized that the programming commitments associated with operating the station under a Specialty format have been honoured, given that the station has been operating under that format since its launch in 2007.
  12. Finally, Arsenal submitted that approval of this application would support Canadian music and contribute to the development and promotion of country music in Québec.
  13. In its comment intervention, the SPACQ-AE indicated that the transaction could contribute positively to the Canadian broadcasting system as well as to the development of the cultural ecosystem.
Commission decision
Would approval of the licence amendment request undermine the integrity of the licensing process?
  1. Most of the decisions cited by Leclerc concerned applications submitted during the first licence term of the stations in question and were competitive in nature. By contrast, Arsenal is seeking to ensure the continuity of the station, which would otherwise close.
  2. In examining Arsenal’s request for a format change, the Commission took into account programming diversity as well as the integrity of the licensing process.
  3. With respect to the argument that the loss of the Specialty format (Classical music) in the market would significantly diminish programming diversity, the Commission acknowledges the unique contribution of CJSQ-FM’s current format. It notes, however, that the low audience shares reflect the limited impact that the format change could have on the overall listener base in the Québec market.
  4. Arsenal proposed to operate the station under a musical format focused entirely on the country genre, a format that is currently underrepresented in the Québec market. Leclerc confirmed that its station CJEC-FM currently airs a two-hour program broadcast between 10:00 a.m. and noon on Sundays and on summer evenings, in addition to certain country music selections as part of its regular programming. The Commission notes that this application is supported by more than 30 French-language Canadian artists, including emerging artists, in the country genre. Consequently, the Commission finds that the musical format proposed by Arsenal would continue to contribute to programming diversity in the market.
  5. Given that CJSQ-FM, launched in 2007 and acquired by Media ClassiQ in 2015, has been operated under a Specialty format since its inception, the Commission is also of the view that the programming commitments associated with operating the station under a Specialty format have been honoured.
  6. In light of the above, the Commission concludes that approval of the licence amendment request would not undermine the integrity of the licensing process.
Has Arsenal demonstrated an economic need justifying the requested format change?
  1. Arsenal stated that amending the condition of service related to the Specialty format (Classical music) is essential to the profitability and continued operation of CJSQ-FM.
  2. Arsenal noted that Media ClassiQ acquired CJSQ-FM and CJPX-FM in 2015. Leclerc acquired CJPX-FM in 2020. As part of that transaction, the Commission approved Leclerc’s request to amend the conditions of service of that station so that it would be operated under a mainstream format, rather than the Specialty format (Classical music) under which it had been operated. Leclerc had justified its format change request by citing, among other things, the financial difficulties of the station.
  3. In the present case, Arsenal noted that Media ClassiQ has been unable to make the operation of CJSQ-FM profitable. This inability has led to the accumulation of significant losses over the past five years, and Media ClassiQ must now cease its radio operations. This situation is similar to that of CJPX-FM prior to its acquisition by Leclerc and prior to the format change approved by the Commission.
  4. The Commission finds that Arsenal has presented evidence demonstrating that, if the Specialty format were maintained, the station would risk not being economically viable.
  5. In light of the above, the Commission concludes that Arsenal has demonstrated an economic need justifying the requested format change.
Would the requested format change have an undue economic impact on the licensed stations in the market?
  1. Overall, the Québec radio market is in better health than the majority of French-language markets on the provincial and national level.  In addition, the Quebec market shows growth in advertising revenues and total revenues.
  2. The Commission notes that the conversion to a mainstream format would not, in itself, guarantee this station’s profitability and would not necessarily lead to financial difficulty for the other stations in the market.
  3. As per the Commission’s analysis, since the station is already in the market, the requested format change would not be equivalent to the addition of a new station. Although CJSQ-FM’s revenues may grow, the Commission finds that the impact would not be undue.
  4. Accordingly, the Commission considers that the application would not have an undue economic impact on the licensed stations in the market.
Would the requested format change have an impact on the diversity of voices in the market?
  1. Although the station would move away from a Specialty format (Classical music), which is rare in Canada, operating the station under a mainstream format where the musical selections would be dedicated to the country genre would introduce an offering that is currently underrepresented in the Québec market. The Commission finds that, despite this format change, approval of the application would contribute to the diversity of voices in that market. More specifically, the musical format proposed by Arsenal would maintain and revitalize programming diversity by expanding the choices available to listeners and by promoting the broadcast of country artists who are rarely heard on traditional radio.
  2. The Commission is of the view that the transaction serves the public interest and is consistent with the policy objectives set out in the Act, as it would ensure the survival of the station of which Media ClassiQ wishes to divest itself given its financial difficulties. The population of Québec would thus continue to have access to the same number of radio stations as at present.
  3. Furthermore, the transaction would take place between two independent broadcasters, which would also contribute to the diversity of voices in the market by maintaining the number of different ownership groups in the region. Finally, the transaction would generate tangible benefits, which would indirectly contribute to the diversity of the radio ecosystem.
  4. In light of the above, the Commission finds that approval of this transaction is in the public interest.

Value of the transaction and tangible benefits

  1. The Commission’s approach is that the public interest is served by requiring that the person or the qualified corporation acquiring the assets and effective control make financial contributions to Canadian content development (CCD) that are proportionate to the size and nature of the transaction. These contributions are known as “tangible benefits.” The Commission’s policy on tangible benefits is set out in the Tangible Benefits Policy.Footnote 4 Tangible benefits serve the public interest because they increase the quantity and quality of Canadian programming and support the creation, distribution and promotion of such programming. Since the Commission does not solicit competing applications for changes to the ownership or effective control of broadcasting undertakings, the Commission requires that applicants propose tangible benefits when they seek the Commission’s approval to change the effective control of radio and television programming services.
  2. The amount of tangible benefits payable depends on the value of the transaction. In the case of radio stations, tangible benefits represent at a minimum 6% of the value of the transaction. The Commission looks at the value of the transaction as a whole, including the value of gross debt, working capital to be transferred at the close of the transaction, ancillary agreements, and any leases assumed by the purchaser for real property (buildings, studios and offices) and transmission facilities. The value of leases is calculated over a period of five years. These elements, if applicable, are added to the purchase price.
  3. Arsenal proposed a value of the transaction of $894,292. This amount includes the purchase price ($525,000) and the total value of the leases payable over five years ($369,292). No working capital would be transferred at closing, and Arsenal confirmed that it would not assume any debt or liabilities.
  4. On that basis, Arsenal proposed a tangible benefit package of $53,657, which represents the minimum 6% of the proposed value of the transaction.
Commission’s decision
  1. The Commission notes that the value of the transaction as proposed by the applicant is consistent with the Commission’s general approach. In light of the above, the Commission finds that the value of the transaction is $894,292, itemized as follows:
    Purchase Price $525,000
    Debt $0
    Value for the assumed leases over five years $369,292
    Working capital $0
    Value of the transaction $894,292

Allocation of tangible benefits

  1. As per the Revised Commercial Radio PolicyFootnote 5, tangible benefits amounts are to be paid over seven consecutive broadcasting years and be allocated as follows:
    • 3% to the Canadian Starmaker Fund and Fonds RadioStar:
      • 60% to Canadian Starmaker Fund and 40% to Fonds RadioStar;
    • 1.5% to FACTOR and Musicaction:
      • 60% to FACTOR and 40% to Musicaction;
    • 1% to any eligible CCD initiative at the discretion of the purchaser; and
    • 0.5% to the Community Radio Fund of Canada.
Positions of parties
  1. Arsenal offered a package of tangible benefits worth $53,657, representing 6% of the transaction’s value. It also proposed to allocate the funds in accordance with the tangible benefits policy, including the revised allocation set out in the Revised Commercial Radio Policy.
  2. In its intervention in comment, the SPACQ-AE indicated that it wishes the transaction to be accompanied by clear and structured commitments regarding support for Canadian and Quebec musical creation, the promotion of a plurality of voices and repertoires, and the level of tangible benefits, so as to contribute concretely to the development of the music industry.
  3. For its part, Leclerc noted that Arsenal is proposing tangible benefits corresponding to the regulatory minimum and is indicating its intention to hire staff and to offer news, weather, interviews, and partnerships with the country music community. Leclerc expressed the view that these elements are essentially part of the normal operation of a commercial station. It recalled the Commission’s statement that offering a tangible benefits package is not sufficient in itself; applicants must ensure that the proposed initiative yields a clear benefit to the broadcasting system as a whole.Footnote 6 Leclerc submitted that the “benefit” put forward by Arsenal amounts primarily to the opportunity for Arsenal to offer Québec an additional commercial station operated under a more flexible and more profitable format than the current one.
  4. In its reply, Arsenal noted that it is proposing a tangible benefits package even though the station is carrying significant losses.
Commission’s decision
  1. The Commission reaffirms that tangible benefits imposed in connection with changes in ownership or effective control are intended to benefit the Canadian broadcasting system as a whole. These tangible benefits must support eligible funds and initiatives that contribute in a lasting manner to the objectives of the Act.
  2. In the radio sector, tangible benefits are a structural mechanism that supports, among other things, the creation, promotion, and development of Canadian musical and cultural content for the benefit of the system as a whole. Accordingly, the Commission finds that Arsenal’s payment of tangible benefits addresses the concerns raised by the SPACQ-AE.
  3. The Commission notes that several Canadian country music artists indicated that they support the application and consider that its approval would provide a local radio platform for Quebec and Canadian country artists — a genre that is popular in North America but that, in their view, is rarely heard on stations in the Québec area. Consequently, the Commission finds that Arsenal has demonstrated its commitment to artists and the cultural community. Furthermore, the Commission finds that the tangible benefits will contribute concretely to the development of the Canadian music industry.
  4. In light of the above, the Commission finds that the tangible benefits package is consistent with the Tangible Benefits Policy and Revised Commercial Radio Policy.
  5. The modernized Actnow includes express provisions relating to the imposition of expenditure requirements. As a result, tangible benefits are imposed by order made pursuant to subsection 11.1(2) of the Act. Accordingly, the Commission considers it appropriate to order Arsenal Media Inc. to allocate $53,657 in tangible benefits, to be paid in equal instalments over seven consecutive broadcast years, consistent with the Tangible Benefits Policy and Revised Commercial Radio Policy.
  6. Further, the Commission considers it appropriate to order Arsenal Media Inc. to report, as part of its Annual Return required under subsection 9(2) of the Regulations, on its progress in making these payments.

Regulatory requirements

Station compliance with regulatory requirements
  1. In the case of an asset acquisition, the Commission examines the licensee’s compliance with its regulatory obligations, particularly those relating to the filing of annual returns and contributions to Canadian content development (CCD).
  2. Having completed its review, the Commission concludes that the station is in compliance with its regulatory obligations.
Programming
  1. Local programming is important to the broadcasting system, and the Commission expects radio stations to reflect the communities they serve through the programming they broadcast. As an incentive to broadcast local programming, commercial FM radio stations that do not serve a single-station market can only solicit or accept local advertising if they devote at least one-third of their programming (equivalent to 42 hours weekly) to local programming, which can include both spoken word, such as news, weather, sports, and information, and musical content. A standard condition of service to that effect is set out in the appendix to Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2022-334.
  2. Arsenal indicated that it plans to broadcast 126 hours of programming per broadcast week and that it plans to broadcast a minimum of 42 hours of local programming focused on the needs and interests of the population.
  3. Furthermore, Arsenal noted that it plans to devote 2 hours and 15 minutes to newscasts, namely 90 minutes to local and regional news, 30 minutes to national news, and 15 minutes to international news, during each broadcast week.
  4. Arsenal indicated that it plans to hire journalistic resources for the production and broadcast of newscasts. It added that it intends to associate a local news platform with the station. Finally, it specified that it would hire, among other personnel, a journalist, on-air staff, and production and sales staff.
  5. In light of the above, the Commission finds that Arsenal’s proposal meets the local programming and news requirements.
Musical format
  1. Arsenal submitted a request to amend the conditions of service of CJSQ-FM in order to operate the station under a mainstream format focused on country music.
  2. As noted in the section on the public interest, given that the proposed programming would not have an undue economic impact, would maintain a diversity of voices, and would add to the diversity of musical genres in the market, the Commission finds that the format change is appropriate.
Licence term
  1. The last renewal process for CJSQ-FM took place in 2023. In Broadcasting Decision 2023-201, the station’s licence was renewed until 31 August 2029.
  2. Under paragraph 9(1)(b) of the Act, the Commission has the authority to issue a licence for an indefinite term. In Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2025-265, the Commission introduced indefinite broadcasting licences for radio stations, so that licensees will no longer need to submit renewal applications.
  3. Arsenal indicated that being issued a licence with an indefinite term for CJSQ-FM would reduce its administrative burden, simplify its management, and allow it to devote time, energy, and money to radio operations. The Commission has not received any interventions in regard to this matter.
  4. In light of the above, and consistent with the Commission’s determination in Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2025-265, the Commission considers that it would be appropriate to issue a new broadcasting licence with an indefinite term for CJSQ-FM.

Conclusion

  1. In light of all of the above, the Commission approves the application from Arsenal, on behalf of Media ClassiQ, for authority to change the ownership and effective control of the French-language commercial FM radio programming undertaking operating the radio station CJSQ-FM Québec, Quebec. The Commission will issue a new broadcasting licence to Arsenal to continue the operation of CJSQ-FM.
  2. The Commission also approves Arsenal’s request to remove the conditions of service for CJSQ-FM relating to the Specialty format (Classical music) so that the station may be operated under a mainstream format focused on the country genre.
  3. Upon surrender of the licence currently held by Media ClassiQ, the Commission will issue a new broadcasting licence to Arsenal. This licensee will be subject to the terms and conditions of service set out in the appendix to this decision.
  4. The Commission directs Arsenal Media Inc. to notify the Commission of the close of the transaction within 30 days of close.
  5. This decision is to be appended to the licence.

Conditions of service

  1. Given that the applicant proposed to operate CJSQ-FM under the same terms and conditions as those in effect under the current licence, with the exception of the conditions relating to the operation of the station under a Specialty format, the Commission issues the following orders consistent with the existing conditions of service as amended by this decision. The existing conditions of service for CJSQ-FM, which appear in the appendix to Broadcasting Decision 2023-201, include the standard conditions of service for commercial FM radio stations set out in Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2022-334.
  2. Further, pursuant to subsection 49(2) of the Online Streaming Act, any regulation made under paragraphs 10(1)(a) or 10(1)(i) of the old Broadcasting Act is deemed to be an order made under section 9.1 of the new Broadcasting Act. As a result, the Commission considers it appropriate to require that the licensee adhere to these requirements as conditions of service.
  3. Accordingly, pursuant to subsection 9.1(1) of the Act, the Commission orders Arsenal Media Inc. to adhere to the standard conditions of service for commercial FM radio stations set out in the appendix to Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2022-334, as well as to all applicable requirements set out in the Regulations, that were made under paragraphs 10(1)(a) or 10(1)(i) of the old Act.
  4. Further, pursuant to subsection 11.1(2) of the Act, the Commission orders Arsenal Media Inc. to pay tangible benefits in the amount of $53,657, to be paid in equal instalments over seven consecutive broadcast years and allocated in a manner consistent with the Tangible Benefits Policy and the Revised Commercial Radio Policy. In addition, pursuant to subsection 9.1(1) of the Act, the Commission orders Arsenal Media Inc. to file all proof of payment and eligibility regarding these contributions each year in a form deemed acceptable by the Commission consistent with subsection 9(2) of the Regulations.
  5. The specifics of these orders will be reflected in the conditions of service for the undertaking.
  6. The Commission notes that the formal broadcasting licence document issued to a licensee may set out additional requirements for the undertaking, relating to, for example, technical parameters or prohibition on transfer. The licensee shall, therefore, also adhere to any such requirements set out in the broadcasting licences for the undertakings.
  7. The terms as well as the conditions of service are set out in the appendix to this decision.
  8. Finally, the Commission notes that this application, including the matters set out in the above orders, was subject to a public proceeding that provided both the applicant and other interested parties notice of and an opportunity to make representations with respect to the proposed orders. The Commission is satisfied that, in this case, the public proceeding was sufficient to achieve the purposes of the publication and consultation requirement set out in subsections 9.1(4) and 11.1(7) of the Act.

Reminders

Force and effect of broadcasting licences

  1. Pursuant to section 22 of the Act, the broadcasting licence will cease to have any force or effect if the broadcasting certificate issued by the Department of Industry (also known as Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada) lapses.

Local news

  1. Radio stations are an important daily source of local news and information for communities. Carrying on a broadcasting undertaking comes with conditions, regulatory obligations and responsibilities, which include contributing to the Canadian broadcasting system by ensuring that Canadians have access to local programming that reflects their needs and interests and informs them of important current issues.
  2. Although the Revised Commercial Radio Policy does not specify a minimum level of weekly news to be broadcast, it does specify the type of spoken word material that must be included as part of a station’s local programming. In accordance with that regulatory policy, the Commission reminds the licensee that its station, in its local programming, must incorporate spoken word material of direct and particular relevance to the communities served, and that this programming must include local news, weather, sports coverage, and the promotion of local events and activities. In addition, the Commission encourages the licensee to ensure that a reasonable amount of daily local news and information is made available to those communities.

National Public Alerting System

  1. The Commission has implemented obligations in respect of the broadcast of emergency alerts. For reference, see section 16 of the Regulations as well as Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2014-444. The licensee must implement the public alerting system for each of its transmitters, and ensure that any alert broadcast decoders (e.g., ENDEC) used for the purposes of broadcasting emergency alert messages are installed and programmed to properly account for the applicable contour (as set out in paragraph 16(2)(b) of the Regulations) of the stations as well as that of any rebroadcasting transmitter that may appear on the licence for those stations.

Employment equity

  1. In accordance with Public Notice 1992-59, the licensee should consider employment equity in its hiring practices and in all other aspects of its management of human resources.
  2. The amendments to the Broadcasting Act resulting from the Online Streaming Act place greater emphasis on the inclusion of Indigenous persons, Canadians from Black or other racialized communities, and Canadians of diverse ethnocultural backgrounds, socio-economic status, abilities and disabilities, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and ages, in the Canadian broadcasting system broadcasting system. The Commission has announced consultations on diversity and inclusion announced in its Regulatory plan to modernize Canada’s broadcasting framework. In the meantime, the Commission expects the licensee to reflect this emphasis in its operational decisions.

Secretary General

Appendix to Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2026-164

Terms, conditions of service and expectations for the French-language commercial FM radio programming undertaking CJSQ-FM Québec, Quebec

Terms

The licence is granted for an indefinite term.

Conditions of service

  1. The licensee shall adhere to the conditions set out in the appendix to Revised conditions of licence for commercial AM and FM radio stations, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2022-334, 7 December 2022, as well as to the requirements set out in the broadcasting licence for the undertaking.
  2. The licensee shall adhere to all applicable requirements set out in the Radio Regulations, 1986, that were made under paragraph 10(1)(a) or under paragraph 10(1)(i) of the old Broadcasting Act.
  3. The licensee shall adhere to the conditions of service set out in Appendix 1 of Modernization of radio processes, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2025-265, 10 October 2025 and in Modernization of radio processes – Finalization of conditions of service, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2025-265-1, 9 January 2026.
  4. In order to fulfill its commitment relating to tangible benefits, the licensee shall expend, in equal payments over seven consecutive broadcast years and by no later than 31 August of each year, a total amount of $53,657, allocated as set out at paragraphs 4 and 48 of Simplified approach to tangible benefits and determining the value of the transaction, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2014-459, 5 September 2014 and at paragraph 160 of Revised Commercial Radio Policy, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2022-332, 7 December 2022.


    The licensee shall file all proof of payment and eligibility regarding these contributions each year in a form deemed acceptable by the Commission consistent with subsection 9(2) of the Radio Regulations, 1986.

  5. The licensee shall implement the National Public Alerting System (NPAS) in the manner set out in section 16 of the Radio Regulations, 1986, and in Amendments to various regulations, the standard conditions of licence for video-on-demand undertakings and certain exemption orders – Provisions requiring the mandatory distribution of emergency alert messages, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2014-444 and Broadcasting Orders CRTC 2014-445, 2014-446, 2014-447 and 2014-448, 29 August 2014.

Expectations

Diversity

The Broadcasting Act places significant emphasis on the inclusion and reflection of Indigenous persons, Canadians from Black or other racialized communities, and Canadians of diverse ethnocultural backgrounds, socio-economic status, abilities and disabilities, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and ages, in the Canadian broadcasting system. The Commission expects the licensee to take concrete measures to ensure it contributes to this inclusion and reflection in both its programming and employment practices.

Canadian emerging artists

Consistent with the Commission’s determination set out in Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2022-332, the Commission expects the licensee to devote, in each broadcast week, at least 5% of the station’s musical selections to selections from Canadian emerging artists broadcast in their entirety. The licensee should report annually on how it has met this expectation, including the percentage of selections from Canadian emerging artists out of the total number of musical selections that were aired, and the number of distinct artists whose music has been aired. The licensee should also be able to provide, upon request, information such as a list of all titles, artists, and International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) numbers.

For the purposes of the above paragraph, the definition of “Canadian emerging artist” is the same as that set out in paragraph 346 of Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2022-332.

Indigenous musical selections

Consistent with the Commission’s determination set out in Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2022-332, the Commission expects the licensee to include Indigenous musical selections on the station’s playlist. The licensee should report annually on the amount of Indigenous content aired on the station throughout the broadcast year (i.e., from 1 September to 31 August), including the percentage of Indigenous musical selections out of the total number of musical selections that were aired, and the number of distinct artists whose music has been aired. The licensee should also be able to provide, upon request, information such as a list of all titles, artists, and International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) numbers.

For the purposes of the above paragraph, the licensee may use the provisional definition of “Indigenous-Canadian musical selection” set out in paragraph 441 of Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2022-332 to determine whether a musical selection can be considered an Indigenous musical selection.

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