The CRTC is accepting public comment on three issues being reevaluated by the agency relating to the National Do Not Call List (DNCL) and the Automatic Dialing and Announcing Devices Rules until Dec. 4.
The National DNCL is a free service for consumers, which allows them to reduce the number of unwanted telemarketing calls and faxes they receive.
According to the CRTC, more than 3.3 million telephone, cellular and fax numbers have been added to the National DNCL since it was launched on Sept. 30.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is an independent, public authority that regulates and supervises broadcasting and telecommunications in Canada. It has announced it will review three requirements associated with the Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules.
"The Commission is proceeding with this reexamination to ensure that these rules, which include the National Do Not Call List (DNCL) Rules and the Automatic Dialing and Announcing Devices Rules, are applied in a fair and efficient manner," said the CRTC.
•Certain telemarketing calls and faxes are exempt from the National DNCL Rules, including those made by or on behalf of electoral candidates that are members of registered political parties.
However, some candidates in municipal, provincial and federal elections are not members of registered political parties. Before making telemarketing calls, they must presently register with the National DNCL and purchase a subscription. The Commission will evaluate whether these candidates should also be exempted from the National DNCL Rules.
•The current registration period for the National DNCL is three years. This requirement is intended to prevent numbers from remaining on the list even after they have been disconnected or re-assigned to consumers.
The Commission will investigate whether there is an efficient way to remove these numbers. This would allow the National DNCL to provide a better service to consumers by having registered numbers remain on the list indefinitely.
•The Commission has established rules to govern the use of Automatic Dialing and Announcing Devices, which are used to dial telephone numbers automatically and deliver pre-recorded messages.
In certain instances, provincial legislation provides for different restrictions on calling hours when compared to the CRTC's rules. The Commission will consider whether to harmonize its restrictions with provincial legislation.
Anyone wishing to have input may submit comments by visiting the site, and filling out the online form or by writing to the Secretary General, CRTC, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0N2, or by fax, at 819-994-0218.
People can register for the DNCL at any time by visiting the site or by telephone at 1-866-580-DNCL (3625). Those requiring the assistance of a teletypewriter can sign up by dialing 1-888-DNCL-TTY (1-888-362-5889).
