Telus challenges legality of Canadian telecom watchdog

Telus has filed a submission with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) arguing that the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services (CCTS) lacks the legal authority to enforce consumer rules. The carrier contends that the CCTS’s authority stems from an “unlawful subdelegation of powers” from the CRTC, noting that neither the Telecommunications Act nor the Broadcasting Act explicitly mentions the watchdog.

Telus has requested that the CRTC reopen the issue, noting that CCTS decisions currently lack a path for appeal to the Commission. If the CCTS remains in its role, Telus is seeking the right to appeal its decisions to the CRTC to ensure stable and accurate interpretations of consumer codes. Additionally, the carrier has raised objections to how the CCTS handles compensation, arguing that payouts should be limited to “direct damages.”

This legal challenge comes as the CCTS reports an unprecedented surge in consumer issues. The watchdog stated that its 2025-26 complaint period has seen a 79 per cent increase in volume, with 53,195 complaints received so far. Common grievances include incorrect charges, service issues, and price increases.