Society Act discussion paper invites feedback

VICTORIA – A new discussion paper on the Society Act invites discussion on the governance of B.C. societies and possible directions for reform.

The Province launched a review of the Society Act in 2009 to identify legislative obstacles that may be preventing societies from operating most effectively and to ensure continued protection of the public interest.

The first round of consultations invited stakeholder comments and received submissions from more than 200 individuals and organizations. The discussion paper puts forward a number of proposals based on the feedback received.

The proposals recognize the unique nature of societies and aim to balance societies’ need for flexibility with broader concerns of accountability and integrity. The discussion paper does not represent government policy, but is intended to encourage discussion and provide interested parties with the opportunity to comment on possible directions for reform to the Society Act.

The Society Act outlines the rules that govern B.C.’s more than 26,000 societies. Societies are non-profit corporations organized primarily for social purposes. They make valuable contributions to B.C.’s families and communities, ranging from small community-based organizations to large charitable foundations.

Legislation is targeted for 2013 at the earliest.

The official deadline for submissions is April 30, 2012.

To view the discussion paper or make a submission, visit http://www.fin.gov.bc.ca/cep/fcsp/society_act_discussion.htm

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is inviting comments on its proposed Guidance on Arts Organizations and Charitable Registration.

All submissions will be considered. To make it easier for us to review your submissions, we recommend the following format:

1. General comments: These comments could include general observations such as whether the guidance is helpful, suggestions for improving the document’s readability, and any relevant issues that should be added.
2. Specific comments:When you comment on specific aspects of the guidance, include the following:
   1. the paragraph number of the section you are commenting on;
   2. the issues with the paragraph in question; and
   3. a solution or alternative that could be considered, if possible.

The CRA also welcomes questions that could be used to build a list of Questions and Answers to supplement the guidelines.

Please note that we cannot answer questions through this consultation process. If you are seeking answers to questions about charities, please contact our Client Service Section at 1-800-267-2384.

We will consider all the comments that we receive by January 13, 2012.

Where to send your comments

Send all comments in writing to the address or fax number listed below, or by email to: consultation-policy-politique@cra-arc.gc.ca.

Mailing address

Charities Directorate
Canada Revenue Agency
Ottawa ON K1A 0L5

Fax
613-948-1320

OTTAWA-GATINEAU, February 17, 2011 —The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today launched a public consultation on the issue of loud television commercials. The CRTC is inviting comments on the possible technical and regulatory measures that would ensure commercials are not perceived to be louder than the programs they accompany.

“Loud ads on television can disrupt an otherwise enjoyable program and are a source of significant annoyance for Canadians,” said Konrad von Finckenstein, Q.C., Chairman of the CRTC. “Viewers should not have to adjust the volume at every commercial break, and we will work with the broadcasting industry to find an acceptable solution.”

In 2009, the Advanced Television Systems Committee adopted a recommended practice to establish and maintain a target loudness level for digital television. Given the development of this international standard, the CRTC is seeking views on:

• how broadcasters currently control the loudness of commercials
• the technical changes, as well as associated costs and practical implications, that would be required to implement the Advanced Television Systems Committee’s recommended practice
• the appropriate timeframe in which any changes should be implemented
• possible regulatory changes required to ensure the effective control of the loudness of commercials, and
• the extent to which technical and regulatory changes are applicable to cable and satellite companies and video-on-demand services.

Interested parties may submit their comments by April 18, 2011. They may do so by filing out the online form, by writing to the Secretary General, CRTC, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0N2, or by fax, at 819-994-0218.

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2011-102

The CRTC

The CRTC is an independent public authority that regulates and supervises broadcasting and telecommunications in Canada.

Reference document:

Loud TV commercials and sound levels

CRTC Launches A Consultation On the Possible Effects of Consolidation in the Canadian Broadcasting Industry

In light of the consolidation trend in the broadcasting industry, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today launched a public proceeding to review its safeguards to prevent anti-competitive behaviour. The proceeding will include a public hearing starting on May 9, 2011, in Gatineau, Que.

“The broadcasting industry is being significantly reshaped by a series of major transactions,” said Konrad von Finckenstein, Q.C., Chairman of the CRTC. “As a regulator, it is only prudent that we study the implications to ensure we have the right tools to deal with competitive concerns as they arise. Transactions will continue to be considered under the existing rules until we have completed our review.”

Over the past decade, the broadcasting industry has experienced several transactions that have seen cable and satellite distributors acquire television properties and, in some cases, production companies. Noteworthy transactions include:

• Quebecor Media Inc.’s purchase of the TVA television network in 2001
• Rogers Media Inc.’s purchase of five Citytv stations in 2007, and
• Shaw Communications Inc.’s purchase of the Canwest Global Communications Corp. television properties, which was approved today by the Commission.

In addition, BCE Inc. announced in September its intention to acquire full control of CTVglobemedia Inc.

The CRTC has guidelines to ensure negotiations between broadcasting distributors and television programmers are conducted in accordance with good commercial practices. Among other things, they ensure that competitors are given a fair opportunity to negotiate for programming and other broadcast rights. However, there is now a concern that large, integrated broadcasting distributors could act in a manner that would be detrimental to the broadcasting industry.

Through the proceeding launched today, the CRTC will consider whether its existing mechanisms are sufficient to deal with the new reality of a vertically-integrated market. Interested parties may submit their comments by March 7, 2011. They may do so by filling out the online form, by writing to the Secretary General, CRTC, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N2, or by fax, at 819-994-0218.

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2010-783

The CRTC

The CRTC is an independent public authority that regulates and supervises broadcasting and telecommunications in Canada.

Reference document:

Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2005-35

The province is seeking public advice and opinions during a review of the Heritage Property Act. The review is one of the recommendations in government’s heritage strategy — A Treasured Past, A Precious Future.

The Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage has hired Hardy Stevenson and Associates Limited of Toronto to conduct public meetings and focus groups. A final report will be submitted to government later this fall.

“We want to make the review process as inclusive and balanced as possible so that our decision-making benefits from the advice and experience of heritage property owners, developers, heritage-related organizations, and the public,” said Percy Paris, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage.

“Nova Scotia’s heritage properties are a valuable resource that can help make life better for families in every part of the province. By preserving heritage they support lief-long learning and contribute to vibrant communities.”

The public meetings will take place:
– Wednesday, Sept. 29, Sydney, Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design, 322 Charlotte St., 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
– Monday, Oct. 4, Dartmouth, Holiday Inn Harbourview, Alderney and Sullivan Ballrooms, 101 Wyse Rd., 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
– Wednesday, Oct. 6, Yarmouth, Marion Hall (next to St. Ambrose Cathedral), 65 Green St., 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. French-language services will be available.

Discussion topics at the public meetings will include the role of government in protecting heritage resources and areas of the act that may require updating. In addition, nine focus groups will be held with heritage property groups.

People can also participate by completing an online survey, from Sept. 27 to Oct. 12, at http://gov.ns.ca/tch/ and clicking the link under What’s New.

Copies of the document and survey can also be obtained at municipal offices across the province. More information is also available by calling 1-877-267-7794 ext. 225 or e-mailing NSHPAR@hardystevenson.com.

A summary report of comments from stakeholders and the public will be made available after the consultation process.

McGuinty Government Introducing Children’s Activity Tax Credit

Dubbing industry – Forum report and recommendations

The minister for la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine welcomes the report of the Forum on the development of the Quebec dubbing industry, which was chaired by Mr. Hans Fraikin, commissioner of the Bureau du cinéma et de la télévision du Québec (BCTQ) and is following up on its recommendations.

Feature films, television, training, tax measures, tariffs and federal government measures were at the center of the six working groups which were made up of specialists from the film industry.
From these exchanges came forth eight recommendations for the minister with the aim of improving dubbing training, the promotion of Quebec know-how and also cooperation on the part of those involved in the dubbing industry for feature films and televised series intended for Quebec television.
Forum report and recommendations (in French only)
Press release and appendix (in French only)

Government of Canada Launches a Review of the Revised Foreign Investment Policy in Book Publishing and Distribution

OTTAWA, July 20, 2010 – The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced a review of the Revised Foreign Investment Policy in Book Publishing and Distribution, which will include consultations with individuals and organizations interested in Canadian books.

“As the digital world creates new opportunities for Canadians to discover and connect with Canadian-authored books, it is critical that we foster innovation, efficiency, and healthy competition in Canada’s book industry,” said Minister Moore. “Our Government demonstrated its commitment to the future of Canadian-authored books in 2009, when we renewed funding over five years to help the Canadian-owned book industry keep pace in a changing environment. The review announced today seeks to ensure that Canada’s foreign investment policy for the book sector reflects new realities and supports our goal of ensuring that readers everywhere have access to a wide range of Canadian-authored books.”

Since the current policy was introduced in 1985 and revised in 1992, a number of developments–including the proliferation of digital technologies, consolidation of ownership, and increased globalization–have altered Canada’s landscape for both the book industry and consumers.

The Competition Policy Review Panel’s final report highlighted the importance of reviewing cultural policies in light of the changing context in which they operate, while recognizing the unique nature of the cultural sector. The policy review announced today is yet another example of this Government’s commitment to deliver on the Panel’s recommendations.

The online consultations, which begin today and close on September 18, 2010, will seek Canadians’ feedback on the impacts of the policy to date and on how best to meet its objectives going forward. Further details about the key themes being considered can be found in a discussion paper posted on the consultation website. For more information on the review and on how to participate in the consultation, visit www.pch.gc.ca/bookconsultation.

For more information (media only), please contact:

Matthew Deacon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
matthew.deacon@pch.gc.ca

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca