The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has launched two public consultations on accessibility within Canada’s broadcasting system under Bill C-11 (a.k.a. the Online Streaming Act).

The consultations are meant to solicit feedback on how traditional broadcasters and online streaming services can better serve the needs of Canadians, with one looking at closed captioning and the other on described video and audio description.

The comments will help the CRTC develop regulatory policies around the use of these tools to remove access to content barriers for Canadians that are Deaf, hard of hearing, blind or partially sighted. The policies could result in new regulatory obligations for broadcasting services, according to the CRTC’s call for comments.

For the closed captioning consultations, the CRTC is looking for feedback on availability; quality; reporting and compliance practices; how complaints should be addressed; whether online undertakings should consult with members of the Deaf and hard of hearing communities; and how regulations should be implemented for streaming services.

Requested feedback for the second consultations include the use of described video on domestic and foreign-owned streaming services and on-demand platforms; the current exception for U.S. programming on traditional stations; potential barriers to discoverability; whether online platforms should consult with members of the blind and partially sighted communities; as well as quality standards, reporting and addressing complaints.

The consultations opened on Tuesday (June 25) and the deadline for comments is Aug. 26. The deadline for replies is Sept. 25. Submissions can be sent via an online form, in writing, via fax or in video for those using American Sign Language or Langue des signes québécoise.

“All Canadians deserve access to the programming they enjoy and the information they rely on,” said CRTC chairperson and CEO Vicky Eatrides in a statement. “We look forward to hearing a diversity of perspectives and we encourage everyone to participate.”

Image: Unsplash. A version of this story previously appeared on Playback.