NDP wants to better regulate telecommunications tower development

Development of antenna systems follows no specific rules

OTTAWA – The New Democratic Party tabled a bill in the House of Commons to better regulate the development of telecommunications antennas across the country. Currently, the development of antenna systems follows no specific rules, which penalizes Canadians whose concerns are largely ignored.

“Numerous residents from coast to coast are unhappy about the fact that they’re excluded from the decision-making process, and criticize Industry Canada for not applying its own guidelines in the development of antenna systems,” explained NDP MP for Châteauguay—Saint-Constant, Sylvain Chicoine, who tabled the bill. “Furthermore, no sanction is imposed for non-respect of the current regulations; development in the telecommunications sector is simply anarchic.”

Bill C-429 provides for shared infrastructures between license holders and includes the mandatory consultation of municipalities and the public, which will democratize the development process. Because land-use planning falls under provincial jurisdiction, which then delegate powers to municipalities, it makes sense that municipalities and the citizens that live there be consulted about the location and construction of infrastructures.

“The bill doesn’t seek to slow down or create an obstacle for the industry, but just better regulate it,” said Hélène LeBlanc, NDP Industry Critic. “Thanks to C-429, the CRTC, an independent organization, will have the power to decide how towers are shared in the case of disputes. We believe it’s a fair and balanced solution to protect the interest of citizens.”