For nearly 20 years, I have written about some of the dissenting opinions that appear within CRTC decisions.
There have been some classics, as I wrote in 2016.
Commissioner Claire Anderson wrote a lengthy dissent last year as I documented at the time. Commissioner Bram Abramson has written a number of dissenting opinions, perhaps aspiring to challenge former Commissioner Stuart Langford’s record. The Abramson dissents frequently address important legal fine points, dealing with procedural issues and fairness.
Today’s post is intended to highlight the number of dissenting views in the CRTC decisions released so far this week.
- Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2026-71: TV5/UNIS TV – Application to increase the mandatory per subscriber monthly wholesale rates
“A joint dissenting opinion by Commissioners Ellen C. Desmond, K. C., and Stéphanie Paquette is attached to this decision.” - Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2026-74: Rogers Communications Inc.’s contributions to the Shaw Rocket Fund
“Dissenting opinions from Commissioners Bram Abramson and Ellen C. Desmond, K.C. are attached to this decision.” - Telecom and Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2025‑180‑2: Call for comments – Improving the public alerting system – Changes to procedure
“the Commission denies, by majority decision, their request to be made a party to the proceeding”
These documents were released by the CRTC in just two days: April 22 and 23. Are these releases demonstrating an inability to reach a consensus with the Commission?
I expect to be writing more about the substance of some of these dissenting views. For now, I simply want to highlight an unusual pattern of dissent.