The CRTC has appointed Christianne M. Laizner as the vice-chairperson of telecommunications.

Laizner, who took on the role of interim telecommunications vice-chairperson in July 2017, is the first woman to fill the role on a permanent basis. She has been appointed for a five-year term.

Laizner joined the CRTC as general counsel, telecommunications in 2010 and later held the position of senior general counsel and exec director of the CRTC’s legal sector.

“The proven leadership displayed by Ms. Laizner during her tenure as interim vice-chairperson shows that she is the right person for the job. With her extensive experience in the industry, Canadians can be confident that she will continue to serve their interests in implementing a strong vision for the CRTC,” said Canadian Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly.

Prior to joining public service, Laizner was a partner at Chown Chains LLP in St. Catherines, ON and worked as a civil litigator for the Justice Department in 1987. During her time with the department, she provided legal advice on the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement and later its successor, the North American Free Trade Agreement.