Speech
Notes for an address
by Charles Dalfen
Chairman, Canadian Radio-television
and Telecommunications Commission
to the Projections 2004: Abilities International Disability Film Festival
Toronto, Ontario
June 3rd, 2004
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Introduction
Thank you for that kind introduction.
It is a pleasure for me to be here tonight, speaking at the first
Abilities International Disability Film Festival.
I emphasise the word “first” because I believe that the quality and
breadth of films being presented, combined with Toronto’s reputation as a
movie-loving city, will lead to more Abilities Film Festivals being staged
in coming years.
The Commission shares the goals of this festival, and of you, the
audience.
We want the outstanding accomplishment of Canadian artists - including
those with disabilities - to be showcased for the world to see.
We also want to help eliminate the barriers that prevent Canadians from
benefiting from the full spectrum of our creative talent, whether in film or
broadcasting.
What the CRTC is doing
For the past 20 years, the Commission has championed the right of all
Canadians to see and hear themselves on TV and radio.
Initially, we focused on bringing cultural communities into the media.
Today, thanks to a creative mix of policy and regulation, Canada has one
of the most diverse broadcasting systems in the world.
In addition to the wide range of services offered in both official
languages, there are ethnic, aboriginal, and faith-oriented broadcasters
across our country.
During this time, the Commission has required broadcasters to also serve
Canadians with disabilities.
Today, at least 90% of all English-language TV programming and much of
French-language programming is closed captioned.
We are now requiring major broadcasters and certain specialty services to
provide described video programming for viewers with visual impairments.
However, much more must be done to bring all Canadians into the
broadcasting system, on both sides of the camera and microphone.
Broadcasters can play a vital role in helping create and reinforce
positive attitudes toward persons with disabilities.
In January of this year the CRTC issued Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC
2004-2,
in which we told broadcasters – and I quote – “that the presence, portrayal,
and participation of persons with disabilities is an important matter, one
that is very much in need of thorough investigation by the broadcasting
industry,” end quote.
At that time, we gave the Canadian Association of Broadcasters six months
to design this investigation.
We also required broadcasters to file detailed corporate plans explaining
how they intend to improve the representation and portrayal of people with
disabilities behind the scenes and on-screen.
The first of these plans is due by December 31, 2004, as part of the
broadcasters’ annual reports on achieving cultural diversity.
In plain language, the Commission requires Canada’s broadcasters to
ensure that all Canadians are fairly included and accurately portrayed on
our airwaves, and to be given a meaningful share in broadcasting production
and management.
We expect ongoing progress in these areas, and require broadcasters to
regularly report proof of this progress.
Like the people who programmed this film festival, the Commission
believes that all Canadians are entitled to participate fully in society.
Everyone deserves full access to life’s opportunities, and enjoys the
undeniable right to realize their full potential - with no exceptions.
We regulate on both broadcasting and telecommunications to help give
effect to that goal.
I applaud the opening of this first-ever Abilities Festival in Toronto,
and the beliefs that guide it.
I am confident that this initiative will help move us all further towards
ensuring that Canada’s media, which shape our perceptions of who we are as a
nation, is inclusive of all Canadians.
I wish you all great success.
Thank you.
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This document is available in alternative format upon request.
Date Modified: 2004-06-03 |
