CRTC Performance Delays Raise Concerns About Regulatory Efficiency

Concerns about the efficiency of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) have intensified after Cogeco filed a complaint regarding delayed rulings. Cogeco, supported by Bell, has accused the CRTC of procrastination in deciding on a case regarding Quebecor Media and Leclerc Communication. The case, involving allegations of Quebecor’s QUB Radio content being broadcast via Leclerc’s CJPX-FM Montréal in breach of CRTC ownership rules, has seen significant delays despite its formal closure in March 2025. With Cogeco urging the Commission in August to expedite its decision, the lack of progress has raised serious questions about the regulator’s accountability.

Delays in Regulatory Decisions Spark Frustration

The CRTC’s timeline highlights a worrying delay in addressing critical industry complaints. Cogeco initially submitted its grievance in November 2024, followed by a procedural back-and-forth that extended to March 2025. Despite the file’s completion, by August, a decision was still pending, prompting Cogeco to demand action. Surprisingly, five months after the record closed, the regulator only committed to issuing a decision within “the coming weeks.” As of October 2025, those unspecified “weeks” have stretched into months, revealing inefficiencies within the Commission’s processes.

Performance Metrics Reflect Concerning Trends

While CRTC’s stated goal is to issue rulings on telecom and broadcasting applications within four months of closing a record, their own reports reveal shifting targets. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, the regulator met this objective 87.5% of the time, but they surprisingly lowered their 2024-25 target to just 75%. Critics argue this is effectively “sandbagging”—a deliberate underestimation of performance standards. This trend suggests a lack of ambition to maintain or improve efficiency, contrasting with regulatory expectations for better service reliability in a fast-evolving communications landscape.

Calls for Accountability and Systemic Reform

The broader implications of regulatory inefficiency extend beyond individual cases. A 171-page report titled “The CRTC’s performance, 1969 – 2025: Analysis and Recommendations” by the Forum for Research and Policy in Communications (FRPC) offers solutions, including a mandate for faster decision-making across broadcasting and telecom industries. The report recommends completing rulings within four months to reflect industry realities. With mounting frustration from stakeholders such as Cogeco and Bell, calls for higher accountability standards at the CRTC continue to grow louder.

Ultimately, addressing systemic issues at the CRTC can strengthen its ability to adapt to the rapidly evolving telecommunications and media sectors. Stakeholders, consumers, and policymakers are unified in expecting timely, effective, and transparent decisions from one of Canada’s most important regulatory bodies.