Direction to the CRTC (Reservation of Channels for the Distribution of CPAC) (SOR/2005-60)

Whereas on March 12, 2003, the Government of Canada released a new official languages accountability and coordination framework in which it renewed its commitment to supporting Canada's linguistic duality;

Whereas the Canadian Public Affairs Channel (CPAC) is a valuable and unique component of the broadcasting system;

Whereas the Standing Committee on Official Languages and the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage have recommended that CPAC be made more widely available in both official languages;

Whereas direct-to-home distribution undertakings are required to provide CPAC in both official languages;

Whereas the Government of Canada is of the opinion that every effort should be made to ensure that CPAC be made available in both official languages to more cable subscribers;

Whereas cable broadcasting distribution undertakings who have fewer than 2,000 subscribers may suffer significant financial or competitive difficulties if they are required to distribute CPAC in both official languages;

Whereas, pursuant to subsection 26(4) of the Broadcasting ActFootnote ^a, the Minister of Canadian Heritage has consulted with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission with regard to the annexed Direction to the CRTC (Reservation of Channels for the Distribution of CPAC);

And whereas the Direction is intended to apply to cable broadcasting distribution undertakings who have 2,000 or more subscribers and who are licensed, or are exempted from licensing, by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission;

Therefore, Her Excellency the Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, pursuant to paragraph 26(1)(b) of the Broadcasting Act^a, hereby makes the annexed Direction to the CRTC (Reservation of Channels for the Distribution of CPAC).

• Return to footnote ^aS.C. 1991, c. 11