Broadcasting Arbitrator

Canadian broadcasters, licensed by the CRTC, have a legal obligation to make broadcasting time available for purchase by registered and eligible political parties during a general election.

The Canada Elections Act provides for the appointment of a Broadcasting Arbitrator who allocates broadcasting time to parties under the Act, issues guidelines concerning the obligations of broadcasters during a general election, and arbitrates disputes between political parties and broadcasters concerning the application of the Act. Peter S. Grant, a lawyer specializing in broadcasting matters, has been the Broadcasting Arbitrator since 1992. He may be reached by telephone at 416-601-7620, by cellphone at 647-588-7620 or by fax at 416-868-0673.

For more on the role of the Broadcasting Arbitrator, see the document below.

The Broadcasting Arbitrator: Appointment, Term of Office and Duties

Read all about the rules and find out how they were applied in the last general election by clicking on the links below.

• Broadcasting Arbitrator's Guidelines
  
  
• Allocation of Paid Broadcasting Time
  
  
• Allocation of Free Broadcasting Time
  
  
• CRTC Guidelines for Broadcast Licensees (on CRTC web site)