Ellen C. Desmond to the Canadian Communications Systems Alliance’s Connect 2026

CRTC Commissioner Ellen Desmond speaks to the Canadian Communication Systems Alliance (CCSA) about remaining competitive in a changing telecommunications landscape as well as updating CCSA members on ongoing work at the CRTC.

Ellen C. Desmond, Commissioner, Atlantic Region and Nunavut
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

Good morning and thank you so much to Sheri [Somerville, CEO, CCSA] and the CCSA members for inviting me to speak today. 

I would like to begin by acknowledging we are gathered on the unceded, traditional territory of the Mi’kmaw people. I thank them and pay respect to their Elders. 

The last time I spoke to this group was three years ago, in St. John’s, in Newfoundland, and I’m happy to be here today. Many things have changed at the CRTC since 2023, as much in the broadcasting sector as in the telecommunications sector, and I’m happy to be speaking of our work this morning.

I also want to acknowledge my colleagues that are in the room: Commissioner Paquette (Quebec), and CRTC staff members.

First, let me take a few minutes to recognize the work CCSA members do each and every day. A few weeks ago, Sheri and I met for a brief discussion. I wanted to understand with more depth the organization and some of the challenges its members are facing.

During our meeting, Sheri was passionate about the work being done by CCSA members. She spoke about the essential services that are provided to some 500,000 Canadians across this country, from Stephenville, Newfoundland to Inuvik, Northwest Territories to Prince Rupert, BC.

These services underpin our communities. As you know, communications systems are increasingly a vital part of our daily lives, whether we are receiving alerts over television and radio, working and doing business via the Internet, or simply texting our family and friends.