How to Intervene in CRTC Hearings
Your guide to participating in CRTC proceedings and shaping broadcasting policy.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Tips for Effective Interventions
- Be specific: General concerns are less persuasive than concrete examples and data
- 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
- 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.