Speech

Opening remarks

by Jean-Pierre Blais

Chairman
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
to the Public Hearing

Montreal, Quebec

September 10, 2012

(Check against delivery)

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.

BCE/Astral transaction

At this hearing, we will be reviewing BCE’s application to acquire Astral Media for $3.3 billion. This is a large transaction that could have a significant impact on the Canadian broadcasting sector and the broader communication system. In fact, it could affect all Canadians and we at the CRTC need to make sure that the parties clearly outline why this is a good deal for Canada.

This proposed transaction has attracted a great deal of attention across the country. This is not surprising since all Canadians have a stake in its outcome. In recent weeks, thousands of Canadians have shared their views with us. We have read with interest the more than 1,600 comments and 8,000 form letters that we have received, all of which have been placed on the public record.

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