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2015 ALLOCATION OF PAID TIME

Seal of the Broadcast Arbitrator

The Broadcasting Arbitrator

Suite 5300
Toronto-Dominion Bank Tower
Toronto, Ontario
M5K 1E6

Tel: 416-601-7620
Fax: 416-868-0673
Cell: 647-588-7620


Reasons for Decision

Introduction

On April 19, 2012, in my capacity as Broadcasting Arbitrator, and pursuant to subsection 337(3) of the Canada Elections Act, I issued a decision allocating 390 minutes of time that broadcasters are required to make available for purchase by registered political parties in the next federal general election. The time was allocated using what I have referred to as a “modified statutory approach,” which replicates the general approach I have taken in the allocation decisions that have governed all federal general elections since 1993. Under that approach, one-third of the 390 minutes is allocated equally to the registered parties and two-thirds of the time is allocated according to the statutory formula in subsection 338(1) of the Act.

Under section 343 of the Act, I am required to hold a meeting in each subsequent calendar year to review that allocation. I did so in 2013 and 2014 and my allocation decisions from those meetings can be found on the Elections Canada website

The 2015 meeting of the political parties took place on June 8, 2015. Sixteen of the 17 registered parties sent representatives to the meeting.

During the meeting, I noted that since my previous allocation decision in 2014, five new eligible parties had applied for registration and had requested time. These parties are:

  • Seniors Party of Canada
  • Democratic Advancement Party of Canada
  • Forces et Démocratie
  • Canada Party
  • Bridge Party of Canada

Under section 339 of the Act, each new eligible party receives six minutes of paid time upon request. However, by virtue of subsection 343(2) of the Act, the total allocated or requested time is required to be rolled back to 390 minutes on a proportionate basis.

Approach to Allocation

At the meeting on June 8, 2015, I presented a proposal to give the five newly eligible parties six minutes each for a total of 30 minutes out of the 390 minutes. I then proposed that the remaining 360 minutes be allocated using the modified statutory approach.

Three of the parties supported this approach. However, a number of parties asked me to revisit the allocation approach taken in my 2012 decision, seeking an equal-time approach rather than the modified statutory approach used in that decision. I found the discussion informative, though most of the points made by the parties reiterated positions they have taken in the past. The equal time-approach was supported by eleven of the parties; three opposed it and two abstained.

Conclusion

As noted above, the June meeting saw no unanimity among the parties as to whether and to what extent the allocation should be modified. Accordingly, I am now required to make a binding allocation of the paid time, which will supplant my earlier decision.

In the result, I was not persuaded that I should depart from the modified statutory approach I have used in the past. My rationale for this result is expressed in my 2012 decision which is available on the Elections Canada website. Accordingly, I have adopted the proposal that I presented at the meeting on June 8, 2015. The resulting allocation is set out in the appendix to the attached order

I wish to conclude, as I have done before, by thanking the parties for their participation in this exercise, which was useful and constructive.

Toronto, June 23, 2015

Original signed by

Peter S. Grant
The Broadcasting Arbitrator



Seal of the Broadcast Arbitrator

The Broadcasting Arbitrator

Suite 5300
Toronto-Dominion Bank Tower
Toronto, Ontario
M5K 1E6

Tel: 416-601-7620
Fax: 416-868-0673
Cell: 647-588-7620


2015 Allocation of paid time

Order

Following a meeting of the registered parties held on June 8, 2015, and pursuant to subsection 343(2) of the Canada Elections Act, I hereby allocate the broadcasting time to be made available under sections 335 and 339 of the Act on the basis set forth in the Appendix.

June 23, 2015

Original signed by

Peter S. Grant
The Broadcasting Arbitrator



Appendix

Allocation of Broadcasting Time to Be Made Available by Every Broadcaster Under the Canada Elections Act for Purchase by Registered Parties and Newly Eligible Parties, as Determined by the Broadcasting Arbitrator under Subsection 340(1) of the Act

Toronto, June 23, 2015


Political Party Minutes:Seconds
Conservative Party of Canada 107:00
New Democratic Party 78:30
Liberal Party of Canada 45:30
Green Party of Canada 20:30
Bloc Québécois 16:30
Marxist-Leninist Party of Canada 9:30
Christian Heritage Party of Canada 8:30
Libertarian Party of Canada 8:00
Communist Party of Canada 7:30
Rhinoceros Party 7:30
Canadian Action Party 7:30
Pirate Party of Canada 7:30
Progressive Canadian Party 7:30
Animal Alliance Environment Voters Party of Canada 7:30
Marijuana Party 7:00
United Party of Canada 7:00
Party for Accountability, Competency and Transparency 7:00
Seniors Party of Canada 6:00
Democratic Advancement Party of Canada 6:00
Forces et Démocratie 6:00
Canada Party 6:00
Bridge Party of Canada 6:00
Total 390:00