Directions to the CRTC (Direct-to-Home (DTH) Satellite Distribution Undertakings) Order SOR /95-319 BROADCASTING ACT Registration 1995-07-06 Order Issuing Directions to the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission Respecting Policy for the Licensing of Direct-To-Home (DTH) Satellite Distribution Undertakings P.C. 1995-1105 1995-07-06
Whereas all classes and types of satellite broadcasting undertakings play a significant role in the implementation of the broadcasting policy for Canada set out in subsection 3(1) of the Broadcasting Act Footnote * ; Whereas DTH distribution undertakings will become increasingly important primary and alternative means for the distribution of Canadian programming services, in both official languages, as well as of foreign programming services to subscribers in all parts of Canada; Whereas DTH distribution undertakings can, if appropriately regulated, develop into an important vehicle for the distribution of Canadian pay-per-view services as well as other new services and thereby make significant contributions to the development of independently-produced Canadian programming; Whereas DTH distribution undertakings should operate through licensing in a dynamically competitive market, subject to appropriate requirements, including their contribution to the development of programming, in order to provide pay-per-view services and other Canadian and foreign programming services in competition with each other and with other distribution undertakings that provide programming services to Canadians; Whereas the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission should not refuse to issue a DTH distribution undertaking licence on the basis of a concern for economic viability; Whereas the contribution of DTH distribution undertakings should include a financial contribution of more than five per cent of gross annual revenues to the production of Canadian programming; Whereas it is in the public interest to have DTH distribution undertakings licensed in Canada as soon as possible, recognizing that the appropriate committee of each House of Parliament has recommended that the licensing process be completed by September 1, 1995; Whereas the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission should ensure the continuing integrity of the Canadian broadcasting system through implementation of the broadcasting policy set out in subsection 3(1) of the Broadcasting Act Footnote * ; Whereas, the Minister of Communications has, in accordance with subsection 7(6) of the Broadcasting Act Footnote * , consulted with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission; Whereas, in accordance with paragraph 8(1)(a) of the Broadcasting Act Footnote * , notice of the proposed Order issuing directions to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission respecting policy for the licensing of Direct-to-Home (DTH) Satellite Distribution Undertakings , substantially in the form annexed hereto, was published in the Canada Gazette Part I on April 29, 1995 and interested persons were invited to make representations to the Minister of Communications with respect to the proposed Order; And whereas, in accordance with paragraph 8(1)(b) of the Broadcasting Act Footnote * , a copy of the proposed Order was laid before each House of Parliament and forty sitting days of Parliament have since expired; Therefore, His Excellency the Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Communications, pursuant to section 7 and subsection 8(3) of the Broadcasting Act Footnote * , is pleased hereby to make the annexed Order issuing directions to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission respecting policy for the licensing of Direct-to-Home (DTH) Satellite Distribution Undertakings . Return to footnote * S.C. 1991, c. 11 Short Title 1 A