Raison d’être, mandate and role: who we are and what we do
Raison d’être
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is an independent quasi-judicial tribunal that regulates the Canadian communications sector in the public interest. The CRTC holds public consultations on telecommunications and broadcasting matters and makes decisions based on the public record.
The CRTC reports to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage.
Mandate and role
The CRTC's main responsibilities include the following:
Regulatory Policy, Legislative Implementation and Regulation
- Developing regulatory policies for Canada’s communication system
- Approving tariffs and agreements for certain telecommunications services
- Issuing, renewing and amending broadcasting licences
- Approving changes of effective control of Canadian broadcasting undertakings
- Resolving competitive disputes
Outreach and Engagement with Canadians
- Consulting and informing Canadians
- Responding to enquiries and complaints from Canadians
- Collaborating with domestic and international partners on issues
- Facilitating industry co-regulation and self-regulation through consultations, committees and working groups
Monitoring, Compliance and Enforcement
- Monitoring and reporting on the Canadian communication system
- Promoting and enforcing compliance with legislation, regulation and rules such as the Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules (UTRs), Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) and the Voter Contact Registry (VCR)
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