The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced on March 27, 2013 that it has launched a public consultation on the possibility of establishing video relay services (VRS) for Canadians who are deaf and communicate in sign language. Public hearings will start in Gatineau, Que. on Oct.21, 2013.
The CRTC is accommodating deaf people who communicate in sign language by providing information on its YouTube Channel in both American Sign Language (ASL) and Quebec’s Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ).
“Video relay service is an example of the initiatives we are exploring to improve the accessibility of communication services,” said Jean-Pierre Blais, Chairman of the CRTC. “There are a number of factors that must be weighed before we can decide whether this service should be made available in Canada. We encourage all Canadians to participate in this consultation and to share their views.”
Canadians can submit their comments to the CRTC by May 17, 2013. by filling in the online form, writing to the Secretary General, CRTC, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0N2, or sending a fax to 819-994-0218.
Deaf people who communicate in sign language can submit a video in ASL or LSQ by uploading a video to the CRTC’s YouTube Channel. The comments will be transcribed and posted on the CRTC’s website. All comments will be considered by the CRTC as part of the public record.
Canadian stakeholders are invited to share their opinions on VRS, especially on these topics:
- The benefits of using VRS
- Whether VRS should be offered in Canada
- How VRS can be implemented and administered
- The cost of VRS and how the service will be funded
- The most effective uses of VRS resources such as VRS sign language interpreters
The CRTC will offer sign language interpreting in ASL and LSQ during the public hearing on Oct., 2013.
