New CRTC Chair Ian Scott introduces himself to the public

The new chairperson and chief executive officer of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), Ian Scott, has released a short statement introducing himself to the Canadian public.

In the statement, Scott makes clear some of his initial chief focuses, listing off a number of things that the Commission has identified as important to Canadians. Among those things: fast, affordable and reliable internet, which references the CRTC’s soon-to-come $750 million broadband fund; using applications and services on the devices of their choice, which perhaps alludes to net neutrality; more competition in the wireless market and less spam.

Interestingly, the new chairperson also notes the desires of the Canadian communications industry, stating that they want to satisfy demands, but also earn a “reasonable return on investments.” Whether this is an indication that the chairperson will be more favourable towards industry than his predecessor — who was known as a fierce consumer advocate — is yet unclear.

Ian Scott was named chairperson of the CRTC in July 2017, following the tenure of Jean-Pierre Blais.

See the full statement below:

It is an honour and a privilege to rejoin the CRTC as Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer. Much has changed since I was last here about nine years ago, and even more since I was a staff member in the early 1990s. The communications industry is in a state of constant transformation and so too is the important work of the CRTC.

We know that Canadians want fast, affordable and reliable Internet access. We know they want to have access to and be able to create high-quality and diverse content. We know they want to use applications and services on the devices of their choice. We know they desire the benefits that derive from competition, such as affordable prices and greater choice. We also know they want to be protected against spam and unwanted calls. Finally, we know that the Canadian communications industry is prepared to satisfy Canadians’ demand, but also want to earn a reasonable return on their investments.

The ongoing challenge for the CRTC is to identify and implement the regulatory rules and policies that will provide Canadians with the technology, content and services they need and protect them against unwanted communications.

By definition, our role is to balance many competing interests, ideas and approaches while consistently fulfilling our statutory mandates. Put simply, our role is to regulate in the public interest. I look forward to this new challenge of ensuring that Canadians have access to a world-class communications system.

Ian Scott, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, CRTC