Wildrose MP Blake Richards has been fined $14,000 for not following the rules on robocalls.
The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced May 29 that penalties totalling $369,000 have been issued to political parities, elected officials and telemarketers from calls made between 2011 and 2012.
Robocalls are automated calling devices used to dial telephone numbers and automatically deliver a pre-recorded message.
Richards faces a $14,400 fine for robocalls made to his constituents in August and October 2012, which did not identify that they were being made on his behalf nor did the calls provide a mailing address or contact number for Richards. These stipulations are required as part of the Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules.
Richards has 30 days to make representations or pay the penalty.
“My office engaged a service provider to survey my constituents on their views on legislation being considered by parliament,” explained Richards in a prepared statement.
He said it was his understanding the provider was well experienced with these types of surveys and would ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.
“My only intent was to conduct a legitimate, accurate and nonpartisan survey of my constituents’ views,” he added.
Richards said he has cooperated with the CRTC on this matter and intends to work with the organization to ensure he has a compliance program in place going forward.
Whether that means paying the fine or making representations, Russ Lyster, director of operations for Richards wouldn’t confirm and said instead “the statement speaks for itself.”
The groups who paid their penalties include the Wildrose Alliance Political Association ($90,000), the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario ($85,000), RackNine Inc., an Edmonton-based telemarketer that provides automated calling services ($60,000), The New Democratic Party of Canada ($40,000) and Liberal Member of Parliament for Westmount-Ville-Marie Marc Garneau ($2,500).
The Conservative Party of Canada was issued a notice of violation totalling $78,000 and, like Richards, has 30 days to make representations or pay the penalty.
Andrea Rosen, CRTC chief compliance enforcement officer, said the CRTC expect political party associations and candidates who are running for office to put “appropriate safeguards in place to ensure compliance with the Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules in future campaigns.” In addition to paying penalties, the groups have agreed to implement comprehensive compliance programs that will include:
• An acknowledgement of all applicable rules and a commitment to comply fully with them
• The appointment of a compliance officer to ensure ongoing adherence with the rules
• An education and training program for volunteers and appropriate compliance measure when using a third-party firm to make calls
• Appropriate record keeping
• The promotion of better awareness of the rules
