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Manual for CNO/ITU-T
Rev.2 March 2003
Also available in PDF Format, 48 KB
Table of Contents
Section 1: International
Telecommunication Union - Telecommunications
Standardization Sector
1.1 Duties
1.2 Membership and
Participation
1.3 Organization
1.4 Working Methods and
Procedures
1.5 ITU-T Texts, Work
Programme and
Contributions
Section 2: The
Canadian
National Organization for the ITU-T
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Constitution of the
CNO/ITU-T
2.3 Organization
2.4 Appointment of
CNO/ITU-T Officials
2.5 Procedures for the
Replacement
of National Study Group Chairmen
2.6 Appointment
of ITU-T Rapporteurs
2.7 Contributions to
ITU-T
Study Group Meetings
2.8 Canadian
Contributions to
ITU-T Study Group Meetings
2.9 Distribution of
ITU-T Documents
in Canada
2.10 TSB Collective Letters and Circulars
2.11 Meeting Records and Reports
2.12 Hosting of ITU-T Meetings in Canada
2.13 The Approval of Contributions
Footnotes
ITU-T
Recommendations
[Res.1] Resolution 1 - Rules of procedure of the ITU
Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T)
Section 1
International Telecommunication Union - Telecommunication Standardization
Sector ( ITU -T )
The duties of the ITU-T are to study and issue
recommendations on technical, operating and tariff
questions relating to telecommunication services, other
than technical or operating questions relating
specifically to radiocommunication which come within the
purview of the Radiocommunication Sector.
1.2 Membership and
Participation
1.2.1 The ITU-T has as members:
-
The Administrations of all member nations of the ITU
-
Recognized Operating Agencies (ROAs)
-
Scientific or Industrial Organizations (SIOs)
1.2.2 In addition to its members who may participate in
all the activities of the ITU-T; international
organizations and regional telecommunications
organizations, which coordinate their work with the ITU
activities. These organizations are invited to participate
in meetings of the World Telecommunication Standardization
Assembly (WTSA).
1.3 Organization
1.3.1 The ITU-T conducts its work through the medium of: ITU-T
Resolution
No. 1:
-
Its' WTSA, which meets approximately every four
years;
-
Study Groups set up by the WTSA;
-
The Telecommunication Standardization Advisory Group
(TSAG)
-
Regional Groups which are established to deal with
Questions and studies of particular interest to a
group of countries and Administrations in an ITU
region;
-
A Director elected by the ITU Plenipotentiary
Conference
1.4 Working Methods and Procedures
The terms of reference, working arrangements and general
provisions regarding the ITU-T are set out in the ITU
Convention. The general regulations found in the ITU
Convention are amplified and supplemented by rules of
procedure and instructions published in the form of ITU-T
Resolutions.
1.5 ITU-T Texts, Work Program and
Contributions
1.5.1 ITU-T texts take the form of:
-
Questions: A Question is a statement of a technical,
tariff or operational problem to which an answer is
required.
-
Recommendations: A Recommendation is an answer
to a Question which is considered by the WTSA to be
sufficiently complete to serve as a basis for
international standardization.
1.5.2 The ITU-T work program is defined by the Questions
proposed for study by the Study Groups (or proposed for
further study) and approved by the WTSA. The complete list
of Questions and their allocation to Study Groups is
published in Book No. 1 of the ITU-T. The full texts of
the Questions are published, by Study Group, in
Contribution No. 1 of each study group, at the start of
each study period.
1.5.3 New and Revised ITU-T Recommendations can be
approved between WTSA as per the rules of Resolution No. 1
or by the WTSA, and the Alternative Approval Process for
new and revised Recommendations is contained in ITU-T
Recommendation A.8.
1.5.4 ITU-T Contributions are the input documents
submitted by members and participating organizations,
relating to the studies being made, to the Director of the
ITU-T. The rules governing the form and processing of
contributions are given in ITU-T Recommendation A.1
Section 3.2.
[Top of Page]
Section 2
The Canadian National Organization for the
ITU-T
2.1 Introduction
The Canadian National Organization for the ITU-T
(CNO/ITU-T) was established in 1973. The objective of the
CNO/ITU-T is to promote and coordinate Canadian
participation in the activities of the ITU-T. The
CNO/ITU-T comprises members from the public and private
sectors of the Canadian telecommunications community.
2.2 Constitution of the CNO/ITU-T
The Constitution of the CNO/ITU-T defines the role,
participation and structure of the CNO/ITU-T, and the
terms of reference of the organizational elements defined
therein. The provisions of the constitution are
supplemented by procedures, guidelines and additional
information presented in this manual.
2.2.1 Name
The name of the organization shall be the Canadian
National Organization for the International
Telecommunication Union -Telecommunications
Standardization Sector, hereafter referred to as the
CNO/ITU-T.
2.2.2 Objective
-
The objective of the CNO/ITU-T shall be to promote
and coordinate full Canadian participation in the
study program of the ITU-T so that an effective and
coherent Canadian viewpoint will be expressed in the
ITU-T and ITU-T Recommendations. Consequently, the
CNO/ITU-T shall consolidate, promote and protect the
interests of the Canadian Government, Canadian
telecommunications carriers, users and manufacturers
and other Canadian organizations concerned with the
work of the ITU-T. This objective will require
thorough examination of Canadian interests,
determination of Canadian positions on ITU-T matters
and the co-ordination of the preparation of Canadian
Contributions to ITU-T study groups.
-
Canadian Contributions will be encouraged, and
procedures will be developed and maintained to
ensure that Canada's telecommunication interests
will be advanced internationally. Significant
Canadian experimental results, new designs,
operating arrangements and experience, tariff
principles and technical planning will be presented
in the appropriate ITU-T study groups.
2.2.3 Participation
The CNO/ITU-T shall be made up of representatives of
Industry Canada, other Government Departments concerned
with ITU-T work, Recognized Operating Agencies and
Scientific and Industrial Organizations which participate
in the work of the ITU-T. Canadian experts in the
telecommunications field representing user groups,
consultants, manufacturers, universities or other
organizations may also be invited to participate.
2.2.4 Structure
The CNO/ITU-T shall be composed of a Steering Committee
and National Study Groups.
2.2.5 The Steering Committee
-
The Steering Committee shall have a Chairman and a
Secretariat appointed by and from Industry Canada,
one representative of each Canadian organization
which is a paid up [Footnote
1] member of the ITU-T, and one
representative from Industry Canada.
-
The Steering Committee shall provide general policy
guidelines and oversee the work of the National
Study Groups.
The Steering Committee shall appoint the Chairmen of
the National Study Groups.
-
The Secretariat shall coordinate the distribution of
relevant information, excluding Contributions
published by the ITU-T in general, to the National
Study Groups and provide general secretariat
services for the CNO/ITU-T Steering Committee and
National Study Group Chairmen.
-
The Steering Committee shall approve the acceptance
by Canadians to the positions of International Study
Group Chairman, Study Group Vice-Chairman, Working
Party Chairman and Working Party Vice-Chairman.
-
The Steering Committee shall reach decisions on the
basis of consensus, as defined in Section 2.2.8 of
this Constitution. Consensus shall mean general
agreement and the lack of substantive opposition.
The consensus process requires that all views and
objections be considered, and that a concerted
effort be made towards their resolution.
2.2.6 National Study Groups
-
A National Study Group may be established for each
current ITU-T Study Group.
-
Each National Study Group so established shall have
a Chairman appointed by the CNO/ITU-T Steering
Committee. Each NSG Chairman will be responsible to
the Steering Committee for the work of his NSG.
-
Membership of each National Study Group may include
representatives of organizations designated in
Section 2.2.3. Soliciting appropriate membership
shall be the responsibility of the respective
National Study Group Chairman in consultation with
the Secretariat.
-
Each National Study Group shall:
-
-
work under the guidance of its Chairman;
-
develop its own work program and encourage the
preparation of Contributions;
-
review and recommend Contributions and
position papers submitted and prepared by
National Study Group members;
-
review other relevant ITU-T documents; and
recommend the action to be taken on these;
-
keep the Steering Committee fully informed on
the progress of its activities.
2.2.7 National Security
Members of, and participants in the work of the CNO/ITU-T
shall at all times avoid the inclusion of material of a
classified nature in reports, recommendations, proposals
and other documentation or correspondence. No such
material shall under any circumstances be released for
foreign circulation. The primary responsibility to protect
classified material shall rest with the person or persons
who originate correspondence or documentation.
2.2.8 Consensus
Within the CNO/ITU-T, all decisions including those on
Canadian positions and contributions shall be arrived at
by consensus. In this context, consensus means a general
agreement and the lack of substantive opposition.[Footnote 2] The consensus process
requires that all views and objections be considered, and
that a concerted effort be made towards their resolution.
2.3 Organization
The CNO/ITU-T is composed of a Steering Committee and
National Study Groups (NSGs). The technical terms of
reference of each NSG are the same as the technical -terms
of reference of the corresponding ITU-T Study Group. The
working methods and responsibilities of the Steering
Committee, the National Study Group Chairmen, the
CNO/ITU-T Secretariat, the National Study Group members
and other participants are given in sections 2.3.2.1 to
2.3.2.4.
2.3.1 CNO/ITU-T Structure
Steering Committee:
Chairman - Industry Canada
CNO/ITU-T Secretariat - Industry Canada
Steering Committee Members:
Teleglobe Canada
Nortel Networks
Mitel Corporation
AT&T Canada
Alcatel Networks
PMC Sierra Inc.
Catena Technologies
Industry Canada
Exfo Electro-Optical Engineering, Inc.
Spirent Communications of Ottawa, Ltd.
National Study Groups:
NSG-2 - Operational aspects of service provision, networks
and performance
NSG-3 - Tariff and accounting principles including
related telecommunications economic and policy issues
NSG-4 - Telecommunication management, including TMN
NSG-5 - Protection against electromagnetic environment
effects
NSG-6 - Outside plant
NSG-9 - Integrated broadband cable networks and
television and sound transmission
NSG-11 - Signalling requirements and protocols
NSG-12 - End-to-end transmission performance of networks
and terminals
NSG-13 -Multi-protocol and IP-based networks and their
internetworking
NSG-15 - Optical and other transport networks
NSG-16 -Multimedia services, systems and terminals
NSG-17 -Data networks and open system communications /
Languages and general software aspects
NSG-TSAG - Telecommunication Standardization Advisory
Group
2.3.2 Working Methods and Responsibilities
2.3.2.1 Steering Committee
-
Should meet at least once a year. However, the
frequency of the Steering Committee meetings will
vary during the World Telecommunication
Standardization Conference period and it is
anticipated that at certain times it will meet at
least three or four times a year.
-
Should ensure and advise the National Study Group
Chairmen in the delineation of their work and of the
activities and decisions of the Steering Committee.
This should be done through direct correspondence
from the Steering Committee to the NSGs and vice
versa and during meetings between the NSG Chairmen
and the Steering Committee as required.
-
Should receive a written progress report (1-3 pages)
once a year, at a date to be determined by the
Chairman, from National Study Group Chairmen.
-
Should review and resolve all grievances submitted
by members and/or NSG Chairmen which have occurred
during the consensus process in establishing NSG
approval of Canadian Contributions.
-
Should be informed of the results of relevant ITU
conferences and meetings by Industry Canada.
-
Should recommend revisions to the Constitution as
necessary.
-
Should establish and revise working methods as
necessary.
2.3.2.2 National Study Group Chairmen
The duties and responsibilities of the National Study
Group Chairmen include the following:
-
Responsible for the organization and expeditious
handling of the work of their Study Groups and
should establish such working parties as may be
required to facilitate the conduct of the work.
-
Ensure that participating organizations have
reasonable time to review and discuss new
Contributions before attempting to establish a
consensus.
-
Ensure that CNO/ITU-T consensus has been achieved in
approval of all Canadian Contributions to all ITU-T
meetings. This involves forwarding the approved
Canadian Contributions to other appropriate National
Study Group Chairmen to ensure that these
Contributions are not incompatible with positions
emanating from other National Study Groups. It is
the responsibility of the receiving NSG Chairman to
act, if necessary, on a Contribution received from
another National Study Group.
-
Ensure that 1 copy of each approved Canadian
contribution are submitted to the CNO/ITU-T
Secretariat two (2) months before the ITU-T meeting
for (Normal Contributions) and twenty (20) days
before the ITU-T meeting for (Delayed
Contributions).
-
Establish formal liaison with other NSG Chairmen on
matters of mutual interest, to ensure that there are
no incompatibilities between Canadian Contributions.
-
Establish by consensus, Canadian positions on
foreign Contributions, for the use of Canadian
participants at ITU-T meetings.
-
Where necessary will establish by the consensus
process the National Study Group position on matters
that concern his Study Group. Examples are the final
approval of ITU-T Recommendations by letter ballot.
-
Where a National Study Group Chairman is unable to
attend a specific National Study Group or ITU-T
meeting, a deputy should be appointed to carry out
these responsibilities.
-
Ensure that the members of the specific National
Study Group and other attendees at related ITU-T
meetings are aware of these CNO/ITU-T guidelines
governing participation.
-
Arrange for the preparation and distribution to NSG
participants of briefs and reports of all
international meetings attended by members of the
specific Study Group.
-
Identify those issues and Contributions emanating
from NSG activities which have broad significance
and bring them to the attention of the Steering
Committee.
-
Submit a brief annual progress report (1-3 pages) of
the NSG activities to the Steering Committee, as
requested by the Chairman of the Steering Committee.
-
Advise the CNO/ITU-T Secretariat of the CNO/lTU-T of
any changes occurring in the membership of his
group, as well as the schedule of future NSG
meetings.
-
Advise the CNO/ITU-T Secretariat at least 16 days
before the meeting of the NSG members planning to
attend a recognized ITU-T meeting and also indicate
as well the name of the person who the ITU-T
Secretariat should consider as the "Head of
Delegation".
2.3.2.3 CNO/ITU-T Secretariat
-
Will provide secretariat services to National Study
Group Chairmen and Steering Committee.
-
Should assist the Chairman and other members of the
CNO/ITU-T Steering Committee as-well as the NSG
Chairmen in the discharge of their responsibilities.
-
When necessary, should ensure that comprehensive
reports, covering the activities of the
Organization, are submitted to the Steering
Committee for its approval.
-
Should be responsible for keeping an up-to-date list
of participants in the work of CNO/lTU-T and
advising Steering Committee members and the Chairman
of changes.
-
Should be responsible for preparing the summary
record of each meeting of the Steering Committee,
when required.
-
Should arrange for expeditious transmission of
approved Contributions to the TSB through the
Chairman of the Steering Committee, and provide
copies of the transmittal letter together with the
contribution to the appropriate National Study Group
Chairmen.
-
Should maintain an up-to-date record of all
documents issued by the TSB (ITU-T), including
circular and collective letters.
-
Should inform the CNO/lTU-T Steering Committee
members and National Study Group Chairmen of results
of votes, particularly as they relate to the final
approval of Recommendations as per ITU-T Resolution
No.1.
-
Will maintain an up-to-date record of the status of
the payment of Canadian ROAs and SlOs membership
dues in the ITU-T and can provide such status as
required.
-
Should observe the operation of the CNO/ITU-T and
propose appropriate improvements in operation.
-
On matters which Administrations are required to
reply to the ITU-T, the CNO/ITU-T Secretatriat
should determine the position within the CNO/ITU-T
as an input for the reply by Industry Canada. Such
replies are required, for example, for final
approval by letter ballot of ITU-T Recommendations
and/or new Questions.
2.3.2.4 National Study Group Members and Other
Participants
While this list of responsibilities is directed towards
participation in international meetings of ITU-T, it
should be recognized that the work in the National Study
Groups is an integral part of the process in that it
involves all of the preparations for international
meetings.
-
NSG members are responsible for ensuring familiarity
with and abiding by the procedures in the CNO/ITU-T
manual.
-
Members of the NSG's attending recognized
meetings of ITU-T, do so both as representatives of
their parent organization and Canada. Unless
specifically identified they will be considered by
other participating organizations to be a Canadian
spokesperson.
-
Members of NSG's or any other representatives of
participating organizations of CNO/ITU-T, should
identify their intention to attend a recognized
ITU-T meeting to the appropriate NSG Chairman, prior
to the meeting.
-
In order for members of the Canadian delegation to
make a useful Contribution to an international
meeting of the ITU-T, they must be fully cognizant
of Canada's position and the reasons for that
position. This level of knowledge is normally only
attained by regular participation in the NSG
process. When an organization finds it necessary to
send a representative who is not a NSG member, it is
the responsibility of the organization to ensure
that its representative is fully knowledgeable of
the responsibilities, positions, and procedures
established by the CNO/NSG.
-
NSG members attending an ITU-T meeting should be
aware of any relevant Canadian positions so that
interventions are consistent with the agreements
reached with the NSG and the spirit of consensus
within the CNO.
-
Effective input to the work of the ITU-T is normally
based on Contributions. Members are encouraged to
present their organizations position to the NSG,
their contribution would normally be presented to
the ITU-T meeting by a member of the originating
organization who has participated in the NSG
discussions.
-
Approval of Contributions is achieved by consensus
among the participating organizations. Members must
therefore ensure that Contributions are submitted to
the appropriate NSG meetings with sufficient lead
time to permit effective review of the document by
other members. Contributions submitted at the last
moment may not get reviewed in time for submission
to the desired ITU-T meeting.
-
In cases where in the approval of Canadian
Contributions by a National Study Group, the
consensus process aggrieves a CNO/ITU-T member, such
a member may raise the matter with the Steering
Committee Chairman via the CNO/ITU-T Secretariat.
-
Registration at the ITU-T meeting is the
responsibility of individual participants. This
registration facilitates the work of the TSB (e.g.
in the distribution of documents). Members of
Canadian organizations who are not members of ITU-T,
must register under the auspices of Industry Canada.
-
Canadian participants at ITU-T meetings should
attend CNO meetings called at the request of NSG
Chairman or his deputy. These meetings may be for
logistical reasons or to resolve Canadian positions.
-
If, during the course of an ITU-T meeting, any
matters arise which are considered to require the
establishment of a Canadian position or appear to
impinge upon an established position, a meeting of
Canadian participants can be requested by any NSG
member. In particular, differences on positions
between Canadian organizations should be resolved in
this manner and not on the floor of the
international meeting.
-
NSG members at an ITU-T meeting, when making an
intervention, should make it clear where necessary,
whether the statement reflects a proposal by their
organization or is a national position.
-
Designated NSG members are expected to report back
on recognized ITU-T meetings they have attended.
2.4 Appointment of CNO/ITU-T Officials
As provided in the constitution, CNO/ITU-T officials are
appointed as follows:
-
the Steering Committee Chairman and CNO/ITU-T
Secretariat are appointed by and from Industry
Canada;
-
each participating organization (ROA or SIO), and
Industry Canada appoints a representative to the
Steering Committee;
-
the NSG Chairmen are appointed by the Steering
Committee at the beginning of each Study period.
2.5 Procedures for the Replacement of National
Study Group Chairmen
2.5.1 The National Study Group Chairmen are appointed by
the Steering Committee. The following is the procedure
where it is necessary to replace an NSG Chairman.
2.5.2 Any National Study Group Chairman who cannot
continue his duties should inform the CNO/ITU-T
Secretariat in writing. The latter should then propose a
possible candidate(s) to assume the vacant position. This
would be done through consultation with the retiring
Chairman or through any other suitable means. The
CNO/ITU-T Secretariat would then inform the CNO/ITU-T
Steering Committee Chairman of the vacancy and the
recommended candidate.
2.5.3 The Steering Committee Chairman would seek the
approval of the Steering Committee members and, if the
members concurred, would advise the National Study Group
Chairman designated to assume the responsibilities. The
CNO/ITU-T Secretariat would then inform all others
concerned.
2.5.4 If there should be some disagreement among the
Steering Committee members, the Steering Committee
Chairman would bring the matter to the attention of the
Steering Committee at its next meeting.
2.6 Appointment of ITU-T Rapporteurs
(In Accordance with Recommendation A.1 - Section 2.3) The
Chairmen of Study Groups and Working Parties (including
Joint Working Parties) are encouraged to make most
effective use of the limited resources available by
delegating responsibility to Rapporteurs for the detailed
study of individual Questions or small groups of related
Questions, parts of Questions, terminology, or amendment
of existing Recommendations. Review and approval of the
results resides with the Study Group or Working Party.
2.7 Contributions to ITU-T Study Groups
Meetings
2.7.1 The submission and processing of Contributions to ITU-T is laid
down in ITU-T Recommendations A.1
and A.2
2.7.2 Contributions submitted to the ITU-T Study Group and
Working Party meetins are designated as follows:
-
Normal contributions - these are Contributions
received at least two (2) months before a meeting, and shall be published
in the normal way and the abstract are posted on the ITU-T website
(Recommendation A.1)
-
Delayed contributions - these are
contributions received by the Telecommunication
Standardization Bureau (TSB) not lest than seven(7)
working days before the start of a Study Group
meeting (Recommendation A.1)
2.8 Canadian Contributions to ITU-T Study Group
Meetings
2.8.1 Submission of Canadian Contributions.
In accordance with Recommendation A.1 - Section 3,
contributions are to be submitted as follows:
-
one copy sent electronically to the TSB. These
copies of Canadian Contributions are always
transmitted by the CNO/ITU-T Secretariat.
-
one (1) copy each to the relevant Chairmen and
Vice-Chairmen of SGs, Chairmen of Working Parties
(WPs) and Rapporteurs. These copies are transmitted
by either the CNO/ITU-T Secretariat, or by the
originating ROA/SIO whose name appears in the source
block of the Contribution, the choice being made by
the concerned ROA/SIO.
2.8.2 Accordingly, once a Canadian Contribution is
approved by the appropriate NSG, the NSG Chairman will
submit to the CNO/ITU-T Secretariat for submission to the
TSB.
2.8.3 Processing of Canadian Contribution
-
A Canadian contribution is submitted by the
originator's to the prime National Study Group.
-
The prime National Study Group must ensure that
these Contributions are sent to other National Study
Groups involved in the subject and that those are
not incompatible with positions emanating from their
National Study Groups.
-
If other NSG's have an interest, they will
review and comment if any on the Contribution and
return it to the prime National Study Group to
continue the approval process.
-
If approval/consensus has been reached at the NSG
level, the contributions can be forwarded either at
a Rapporteurs' meeting or forwarded to the TSB
(via the CNO/ITU-T Secretariat) to the ITU-T Study
Group concerned. And also can be sent to other
National Study Groups for information.
-
If no approval/consensus has been reached at the
National Study Group Level, then it is sent to the
CNO/ITU-T Steering Committee Chairman for
Resolution.
-
It may be that the Steering Committee Chairman
cannot resolve this issue, it is either sent back
for further study or the contribution is withdrawn.
But if the contentious issue is resolved the
contribution is then forwarded to the CNO/ITU-T
Secretariat for transmission to the TSB.
2.9 Distribution of ITU-T Documents in
Canada
2.9.1 Normal Contributions. The TSB sends directly
electronic copy to those members who have advised the
Director of their document requirements. The following
Canadian organizations receive Contributions directly from
the ITU-T Secretariat and are responsible for distributing
copies within their own organization.
-
Industry Canada
-
Canadian ROAs/SlOs
2.9.2 Distribution of SG normal Contributions to
individuals in Canada is accomplished as follows:
-
ROAs/SlOs distribute copies to their members;
-
the CNO/ITU-T Secretariat distributes copies
electronically to all other CNO/ITU-T members as
required.
-
Note: Not all CNO/ITU-T members receive SG
documents. Some members are concerned only with
summary records of meetings, delegation reports,
etc. It is the responsibility of non-ROA/SIO members
to advise the CNO/ITU-T Secretariat of their
documentation requirements.
-
upon request, the CNO/ITU-T Secretariat also
provides copies of ITU-T Contributions to other
individuals.
2.9.3 Delayed Contributions.
Delayed Contributions are distributed solely to SG
participants present at ITU-T meetings. The National Study
Group Chairmen should endeavour to maintain a register and
copies of delayed Contributions, by Study Group, to meet
requests for such documents from CNO/ITU-T participants
not in attendance at ITU-T meetings.
2.10 TSB Collective Letters and Circulars
2.10.1 In general, TSB Collective Letters are distributed
in the same manner as normal Contributions to the members
of a Study Group.
2.10.2 TSB Circulars addressed only to Administrations and
copied to Sector Members, Associates, Chairman and
Vice-Chairmen of the Study Group. In these cases, the
CNO/ITU-T Secretariat will distribute copies to
organizations and/or individuals as required.
2.11 Meeting Records and Reports
2.11.1 The respective National Study Group (NSG) Chairmen
are responsible for the preparation and appropriate
distribution of Summary Records of all CNO/ITU-T Steering
Committee and NSG meetings.
2.11.2 NSG Chairmen are responsible for the preparation
and appropriate distribution of reports of ITU-T SG and WP
meetings at which Canadian delegations are present. Such
reports may be incorporated in NSG meeting summary
records. If not, separate reports shall be prepared.
2.11.3 Special reports shall be prepared as required,
e.g., Canadian delegation report of a WTSA.
2.11.4 Meeting summary records and reports should be as
brief as possible, and should include a concise summary of
the principal points of discussion, decisions and action
items. Voluminous attachments should be avoided wherever
possible.
2.11.5 The CNO/ITU-T Secretariat shall be included in the
distribution of all CNO/ITU-T meeting records and reports.
2.12 Hosting of ITU-T Meetings in Canada
2.12.1 It is the privilege of a CNO/ITU-T member
organization to host an ITU-T meeting in Canada at its own
discretion and expense. In such cases the CNO/ITU-T
Steering Committee is informed through the CNO/ITU-T
Secretariat.
2.12.2 All formal or informal requests from ITU-T (or from
chairmen of study groups) should be channeled to the
CNO/ITU-T Secretariat of the Steering Committee. If such
requests are made in the course of an international
meeting, the Head of the Canadian delegation to that
meeting can confirm Canada's conditional acceptance,
if one of the CNO/ITU-T member organizations present at
the meeting is willing to be the host and defray all the
expenses. Otherwise, the Head of the Canadian delegation
should refer the request in writing to the CNO/ITU-T
Secretariat in Ottawa without making any commitment at the
meeting.
2.12.3 The CNO/ITU-T Steering Committee will ensure that a
consistent approach is taken in the hosting arrangements.
For example, some flexibility exists in the funding
arrangements of the traveling costs for the ITU-T
Secretariat. Canada's approach to the negotiations of
such funding should be consistent.
2.12.4 The opportunity for two or more CNO/ITU-T member
organizations to agree to host and co-sponsor a meeting in
Canada should be rationalized according to the following
criteria:
-
The area of activity of the group seeking to be
hosted by Canada is of interest to two or more
CNO/ITU-T member organizations;
-
The dates of the meeting do no conflict with other
events thus imposing undue overload in national
resources;
-
The organizational efforts required and the
associated costs are of a level that warrants the
sponsoring of the event by more than one
organization.
2.12.5 There are three categories of ITU-T meetings liable
to be hosted by Canada:
-
Study Group: The hosting of a study group
requires a special organizational effort (usually a
special organizational committee) and implies the
provision of substantial support services (typing,
photocopy, document distribution, etc.),
interpretation services, protocol arrangements
(i.e., opening ceremony) and social events. In
addition, the hosting country defrays traveling
costs and allowances for two or three members of the
ITU-T Secretariat. Meetings of study groups are
usually held in rented hotels or conference
facilities implying additional cost and logistical
effort.
-
Working Party: While less formal than a study
group the hosting of a working party implies
nevertheless a substantial organizational effort due
to the number of participants, large support
requirements (document handling) and, in some cases,
interpretation facilities. The hosting country is
called to defray traveling costs and allowances for
at least one ITU-T engineer. Social events are also
customary.
It is acknowledged that the hosting of study groups
or working parties in Canada warrants co-sponsoring
by two or more CNO/ITU-T member organizations
subject to the agreement of such organizations. It
is implicitly acknowledged that it is the privilege
of each CNO/ITU-T member organization to decide
whether it should co-sponsor an event and to decide
the level and magnitude of its contribution.
-
Working Groups: (or drafting groups,
rapporteurs groups, ad hoc groups, etc.). These
meetings are usually very informal and involve a
relatively small number of people. Support services
are minimal and no interpretation is provided.
Social functions are kept at a minimum level.
It is generally assumed that the relatively low
costs and organizational efforts required to host
working groups do not warrant the co-sponsorship of
such events. In principle, an interested member of
the CNO/ITU-T organization should consider hosting
the meeting (usually in its own office facilities)
and defraying the associated costs. This does not
preclude the opportunity for two or more
organizations to decide to share the costs of a
given working group meeting.
2.12.6 Social events should, in general, correspond to the
category of meeting being hosted. In the case of meetings
co-sponsored by various organizations the following
general guidelines are suggested:
-
For study groups there should be a cocktail
reception on the first day of the meeting and a
farewell dinner on the last day. A third event, such
as a week-end outing, is optional. It is also
customary to provide coffee twice a day and to
organize a companion's program if warranted.
-
For working parties there should be a cocktail
reception either at the beginning or at the end of
the meeting. Coffee should be provided twice a day.
-
For working groups it is assumed that, in general,
they will be sponsored by only one member
organization and that consequently the hosting
organization will decide the level of social
courtesy. In the event that a working group meeting
is co-sponsored by two or more organizations it is
recommended to provide coffee twice a day and to
organize a welcome lunch at an appropriate time
(first or second day of the meeting).
2.12.7 Funding
-
Direct Financial Support: members will endeavor
to commit direct financial support commensurate with
the financial savings accruing as a result of having
their representative(s) attend a particular meeting
in Canada rather than overseas. Incremental
contributions over and above the financial savings
mentioned above will be totally discretionary, based
on the benefits of hosting a particular meeting in
Canada, as perceived by individual members.
-
Contributions/Gifts in kind: such contributions
(e.g. meeting facilities, equipment supplies,
receptions, social events) may be sought from member
organizations and other interested parties by those
members assuming responsibility for hosting a
particular meeting, in order to keep down the level
of direct funding required to host, the meeting.
2.13 The Approval of Contributions
2.13.1 Obtaining Consensus
-
Each National Study Group is a collection of experts
who aim to achieve consensus by discussion in a
spirit of collective problem solving. This process,
while respecting the rights and obligations of
individual CNO member organizations has, as its
ultimate objective, the advancement of Canada's
telecommunications interests internationally.
-
In the spirit of this guideline
"consensus" is defined in section 2.2.8 of
this Constitution.
-
Consensus is reached by graceful accommodation which
examines all points of view and eventually leads to
the amendment of the contents of a Contribution to
remove, as far as possible, the issues of
contention. To assist consensus it is therefore
incumbent upon NSG participants to act in a
responsible manner by not intervening unnecessarily
in issues which do not affect them. Opposition must
be substantive.
-
The achievement of consensus within the CNO/ITU-T on
all Canadian Contributions to all ITU-T meetings is
considered to be a principal objective.
(Note: Canadian Contributions are those sourced
either by Canada, or by one of the Canadian members
of the ITU-T).
-
Canadian delegates attending ITU-T meetings must
make every effort to reach consensus among
themselves before expressing positions on issues
which were not the object of prior review and
discussion in Canada.
-
Participants who are not ITU-T members shall not
prevent consensus.
-
Formal voting or the counting of a "majority
view" is not part of this process.
2.13.2 Submission of Canadian Contributions to All ITU-T
Meetings
-
In the CNO/ITU-T, a Canadian Contribution is
submitted to an NSG. It goes through a process of
review and comment with the goal of having the NSG
members arrive at a consensus on the Contribution.
In the process of achieving consensus it is possible
that the Contribution may go through some
amendments. It is then passed through the review and
comment process again. It follows this procedure
until (1) consensus is reached, (2) consensus is not
reached or (3) the Contribution is withdrawn.
-
Within certain NSG's, due to the nature of their
work, it is sometimes difficult to achieve consensus
on technical proposals. Different organizations
within particular NSG may have conflicting views.
Resolution of those cases where conflicts arise
should be achieved by following the guidelines for
building consensus described in the preceding
sections.
-
Member organizations should not block other
organizations' proposals, but rather should seek
to modify Contributions in ways acceptable to all
parties. In some cases this can be achieved by
removing points of contention from the Contribution
so that it becomes neutral on these aspects.
-
In order to facilitate the achievement of consensus,
it is necessary to allow a reasonable period of time
for members to carry out a review process and to
resolve areas of contention. Therefore all proposed
Contributions must be circulated by E-mail, or
exceptionally by other means, to the NSG members
under normal circumstances at least two weeks before
the final NSG meeting, prior to the desired Study
Group presentation. The NSG Chairman could then be
informed of areas of contention and these could
hopefully be resolved prior to the NSG meeting. Any
Contribution not receiving consensus by the final
NSG meeting will not be accepted as a
Source: Canada Contribution for submission to
the following ITU-T meeting.
-
During the NSG approval process of a Contribution, a
Canadian member organization may propose that the
Contribution be marked as Source: Canada. (Note that
the organization proposing Source: Canada is not
necessarily the originator of the Contribution). The
significance of the Source: Canada designation is
that all members of the ITU can interpret the
Contribution as representing a Canadian position
actively supported (as opposed to simply concurred
with) by all Canadian ITU members. Approval for the
Source: Canada designation indicates full agreement
in Canada with no substantive objections by all
Canadian ITU-T members. If such approval cannot be
obtained, then the option remains to approve the
Contribution with a Source: Member designation,
which indicates a Canadian position concurred with
by all Canadian ITU-T members and that the paper is
not a Canadian position supported by all Canadian
ITU-T members
-
Every effort should be made to achieve consensus in
Canada on proposed Contributions.
-
When it is not possible to reach consensus on a
proposed Contribution, the originating ITU-T member
may submit the paper to the Study Group/Working
Party/Rapporteur group meeting with source as
"ITU-T member name". Other Canadian ITU-T
members may also submit papers to the same meeting
under their own name as source, giving alternative
view on the same subject. This procedure may not be
used when the subject is one where a national
opinion is required, for instance, the
approval/disapproval of a proposed Recommendation or
Regulatory or Telecommunications Policy issue.
-
In the CNO/ITU-T, an ITU-T Contribution other than
Canadian, will also be reviewed by an NSG to
establish a Canadian position to support, oppose or
abstain during the consideration of the Contribution
in the ITU-T forum. The development of this Canadian
position would require consensus within the NSG. In
the case where agreement cannot be obtained at the
NSG level, particularly if the Canadian position
involves a draft Recommendation, this situation
would then be referred to the Steering Committee for
its consideration and resolution. If consensus
cannot be reached by the Steering Committee, then
the only Canadian position that can be taken would
be one of abstention. Such a position should be
avoided if at all possible and should be endorsed in
exceptional cases only.
-
During international meetings new matters which have
not been the object of previous study in Canada may
be raised for discussion. Canadian representatives
at these meetings should attempt to achieve
consensus before opinions are stated on these
matters. If it is not possible to achieve consensus
within the Canadian delegation, any intervening
Canadian representatives should indicate that their
opinions expressed are only opinions of their
organization
-
The Canadian delegation at an ITU meeting, acting as
a body and chaired by the Head of Delegation, has
the authority to author Contributions and approve
them by consensus of those present. This provision
is intended to allow extemporaneous Canadian
response to situations as they arise during the
course of a meeting. Note that this provision does
not have the usual safeguards which apply to the
preparation of Contributions in Canada. Therefore
CNO Steering Committee review of the use of this
provision may be requested by Canadian members if
concerns arise.
-
In all ITU-T studies, agreement on a single Canadian
position on a subject must be achieved by the time
the final draft of a Recommendation has been
formulated by the appropriate ITU-T body. This
position may be "approve", "do not
approve" or "abstain". Whichever the
case, the Head of Delegation shall state the
position agreed to as a result of the consultation
called for under ITU-T Resolution No. 1.
2.13.3 The above consensus procedure applies for the
submission of all Canadian Contributions to all ITU-T
meetings including Study Group, Working Party, and
Rapporteur meetings. They must be routed through the CNO
approval process. This procedure recognizes that while
Rapporteur group meetings are less formal than those of
Study Groups and Working Parties, the outcome of their
work frequently results in the drafting of
Recommendations, which are then submitted to the Working
Parties and Study Groups for approval by letter ballot via
ITU-T Resolution No. 1. As a result it is necessary that
Canadian consensus be reached on all such Contributions in
order to ensure that a Canadian consensus view is
reflected in all ITU-T Recommendations prepared by
Rapporteur groups.
2.13.4 Canadian Contributions to Rapporteur meetings
should follow the same sourcing procedures as Canadian
submissions to Study Group and Working Party meetings.
2.13.5 Those Contributions to be submitted to Study Group
and Working Party meetings should be submitted to the
ITU-T via the CNO/ITU-T Secretariat accompanied by a
covering letter from Industry Canada. Contributions for
submission to Rapporteur meetings may be forwarded via the
CNO/ITU-T Secretariat or directly by the NSG Chairman or
by member organizations with concurrence of NSG Chairmen
to the Rapporteur with copies of the transmittal letter
and Contribution(s) to the CNO/ITU-T Secretariat, for
record purposes.
2.13.6 CNO Procedures
-
Format: Generally, all Contributions including
those for submission to Rapporteur meetings should
appear and be written in the same style as regular
"normal" Contributions going to the ITU-T.
-
Submission of Contributions: Contributions
submitted to Rapporteur meeting generally do not
require a covering letter from Industry Canada. A
Contribution being submitted to a Rapporteur meeting
should not normally be submitted to the Study Group
as a "normal" Contribution at the same
time although CNO approval was granted. The response
to the Contribution at the Rapporteur meeting should
be assessed first and any comments for improving the
Contribution should be considered and implemented,
and if at this time it is judged that this material
would be beneficial as a "normal" paper to
the study group, a new Contribution should be
prepared, approved within the CNO, and submitted to
the ITU-T. A regular normal', or
"delayed" Contribution can be submitted to
the Rapporteur meeting. These documents are ones
that undergo the regular CNO approval process
required for Study Group submission.
2.13.7 Approval of New and Revised Recommendations
-
ITU-T Resolution No. 1 defines the procedure for
approval of new revised Recommendations. When a
Study Group Chairman requests approval of new and
revised Recommendations, the Director of the TSB
shall explicitly announce the intention to seek to
apply the approval procedure and shall include the
specific intent of the proposal in summarized form.
Reference shall be provided in the meeting report or
other documents where the text of the draft new
Recommendation or the draft revised Recommendation
to be considered may be found. This information
shall also be distributed to all members. The text
of the draft new or revised Recommendation must be
available to the TSB in a final edited form in at
least one of the working languages at the time that
the Director makes the announcement of the intended
application of the approval procedure set out in
this Resolution. A summary that reflects the final
edited form of the draft Recommendation must also be
provided to the TSB. The invitation to the meeting,
together with the summary of the draft new or
revised Recommendation, announcing the intended
application of his approval procedure, should be
sent by the Director of the TSB to all members so as
to be received in the normal course of delivery, at
least three months before the meeting. The
invitation and the enclosed summary shall be
distributed according to normal procedures which
include the use of the appropriate working
languages.
The Director shall request the Member States'
opinions on whether they assign authority to the
Study Group that the new or revised Recommendations
should be considered for approval at the Study Group
meeting. The ITU-T Secretariat will send a Circular
Letter to all Administrations (with information copy
to Study Group members, ROA's and SIO's)
requesting their opinion.
-
When such a Circular is received by Industry Canada,
the CNO/ITU-T Secretariat will:
-
send copies to the Steering Committee members,
and to the National Study Group Chairman;
-
request comments and opinions from ROAs, SIOs
and Industry Canada (Industry Canada acts on
behalf of all non/ROA/SIO interests); and
-
prepare a coordinated reply to the Circular
based on responses to (b) above.
2.13.8 Since the introduction of a new or revised question
influences the scope of the work of the ITU Sectors, and
may have significant impact on telecommunication matters
in Canada, consensus on a single Canadian position must be
achieved by the CNO/ITU-T before a new or revised question
may be submitted to the ITU-T.
Footnotes
1. Paid up means not in arrears in
ITU-T membership payments. The Chairman shall exercise
discretion in the case of a member in arrears where there
is a clear indication of action to make good the arrears.
2. Substantive opposition includes
material concerns.
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