How to Intervene in CRTC Hearings

Your guide to participating in CRTC proceedings and shaping broadcasting policy.

The CRTC makes decisions that affect all Canadians, and any Canadian can participate in these decisions. You don't need to be a lawyer or an expert - your perspective as a consumer matters. This guide explains how to make your voice heard.

What is an Intervention?

An intervention is a formal submission to the CRTC during a public proceeding. When broadcasters apply for new licences, renewals, or changes to their operations, the CRTC opens a window for public comment.

Your intervention becomes part of the official record. The CRTC is required to consider all interventions when making their decision. Unlike a complaint, an intervention directly influences regulatory outcomes.

The CRTC holds two main types of proceedings: those that only accept written comments, and those that include oral hearings where you can present in person or by video conference.

When You Can Intervene

The CRTC accepts interventions during:

  • Licence renewals: When a broadcaster's licence expires (typically every 5-7 years), they must apply for renewal
  • New licence applications: When someone wants to start a new broadcasting service
  • Ownership transfers: When broadcasters are bought or sold
  • Policy consultations: When the CRTC is developing new regulations or reviewing existing ones
  • Amendments: When broadcasters request changes to their licence conditions

How to Find Open Proceedings

The CRTC publishes all open proceedings on their website. Each Notice of Consultation includes the deadline for interventions and instructions for participating.

View Open CRTC Consultations

You can also sign up for CBA's email list. We monitor CRTC proceedings and alert our community when important opportunities arise.

Step-by-Step Filing Process

1

Read the Notice of Consultation

Each proceeding has a Notice that explains what's being decided, the deadline for interventions, and specific questions the CRTC wants addressed. Read it carefully.

2

Review the Application

For licence renewals and applications, the broadcaster's submission is usually available on the CRTC website. This tells you what they're promising and requesting.

3

Write Your Intervention

Your intervention should include:

  • Your name and contact information
  • The proceeding number (from the Notice)
  • Whether you support or oppose the application
  • Your specific concerns or comments
  • Any requests you have for conditions or changes
4

Submit Before the Deadline

Interventions can be submitted through the CRTC's online portal. Make sure you submit before the deadline - late interventions are not accepted.

CRTC Intervention Portal
5

Consider Appearing at a Hearing

For major proceedings, the CRTC holds oral hearings where interveners can present in person. When you file your intervention, indicate if you want to appear. This is optional but can be more impactful.

Requesting to Appear at a Hearing

For major proceedings, the CRTC holds oral hearings where interveners can present in person or by video conference. Appearing is optional but can be more impactful than written comments alone.

When to Request an Appearance

  • When you have unique expertise or evidence to share
  • When written comments don't fully convey your concerns
  • When you want to respond to questions from commissioners
  • For major proceedings with significant public interest

How to Request

When filing your written intervention, indicate that you wish to appear. Explain why an oral presentation would add value beyond your written comments. The CRTC will review requests and confirm who will appear.

What to Expect

Hearings are formal but not intimidating. You'll have a set time to present (usually 5-10 minutes), followed by questions from commissioners. Hearings are public and often webcast.

Getting Funding to Participate

The Broadcasting Participation Fund (BPF) provides funding to help public interest groups participate meaningfully in CRTC broadcasting proceedings.

Who Can Apply

  • Non-profit organizations representing consumer or public interests
  • Groups that can demonstrate a track record of public interest advocacy
  • Organizations participating in eligible CRTC broadcasting proceedings

What Costs Are Covered

  • Legal and expert consulting fees
  • Research costs
  • Travel to hearings (when applicable)
  • Translation and interpretation

Note: The BPF is currently under review by the CRTC. Check the BPF website for current eligibility and funding availability.

Broadcasting Participation Fund

Important Considerations

Privacy

All interventions become part of the public record and are posted on the CRTC website. Your name and contact information will be visible. You cannot file anonymous interventions. If you have sensitive personal information in your submission, you can request that specific portions be kept confidential, but this must be justified.

Deadlines

  • Intervention deadline: Specified in the Notice of Consultation - usually several weeks after the notice is published
  • Reply comments: Some proceedings allow a second round of comments to respond to other interventions
  • Time: All deadlines are 8:00 PM Eastern Time
  • Late submissions: The CRTC does not accept late interventions - plan ahead

Format Requirements

  • Include "***End of document***" at the end of your submission
  • Reference the proceeding number from the Notice of Consultation
  • For licence applications, send a copy to the applicant

Tips for Effective Interventions

  • Be specific: General concerns are less persuasive than concrete examples and data
  • Answer the questions: If the Notice asks specific questions, address them directly in your intervention
  • Reference the regulations: Cite relevant CRTC policies and Broadcasting Act objectives
  • Propose solutions: Don't just criticize - suggest specific conditions or requirements
  • Stay factual: Emotional appeals are less effective than documented evidence
  • Share personal experience: Your experience as a consumer is valuable evidence
  • Coordinate with others: Multiple aligned interventions demonstrate broader public concern

What Happens to Your Intervention

All interventions are published on the CRTC website (unless you request confidentiality for sensitive information). The applicant has an opportunity to respond to interventions.

CRTC commissioners review all interventions before making their decision. While they don't respond individually, interventions directly influence outcomes - especially when multiple people raise the same concerns.

The final decision will reference significant interventions and explain how the CRTC considered public input.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can anyone participate in CRTC hearings?

Yes. Any Canadian can submit written comments to CRTC consultations. You don't need to be a lawyer, expert, or member of any organization. The CRTC values input from everyday Canadians who are affected by broadcasting decisions. You can also request to appear at oral hearings if you explain why written comments aren't sufficient.

What is a CRTC intervention?

An intervention is a formal submission to a CRTC proceeding where you share your views, support or oppose an application, or provide information to help the Commission make a decision. Unlike a complaint about something that already happened, an intervention is about influencing future regulatory decisions.

Do I need a lawyer to participate in CRTC proceedings?

No. While lawyers and consultants often participate on behalf of large organizations, individual Canadians can and do participate without legal representation. Many effective interventions come from regular citizens sharing their experiences and perspectives. The CRTC provides assistance for those who need help navigating the process.

Is there funding available to participate in CRTC hearings?

The Broadcasting Participation Fund (BPF) provides funding to public interest groups for broadcasting proceedings. The fund covers costs like legal fees, research, and travel. For telecommunications proceedings, costs may be awarded by the CRTC directly. The BPF is currently under review, so check their website for current availability.

Will my intervention be public?

Yes. All interventions become part of the public record and are posted on the CRTC website. Your name and the content of your submission will be visible. You cannot file anonymous interventions. This transparency is intentional - it allows all parties to see and respond to public input.

How do I find out about upcoming CRTC consultations?

The CRTC publishes all open proceedings on their "Consultations and Hearings: Have Your Say" page at crtc.gc.ca. You can also subscribe to CRTC email updates or join CBA's email list for alerts about important proceedings that affect consumers.

Related Resources

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