Alicia Barin steps down as CRTC’s vice-chair of broadcast

Barin, who departed the role on Jan. 5, said in a memo to staff that she made the decision to focus on her family.

A licia Barin has stepped down from her role as Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) vice-chair of broadcast.

The CRTC confirmed the vice-chair’s departure to Playback Daily, which went into effect on Jan. 5, noting that the resignation was communicated with staff in a statement by Barin, who said she wanted to focus on her family.

“After a period of deep reflection and consultation with those closest to me following the sudden passing of my husband this past summer, I have concluded that I am at a time in my life when I need to fully step away from my professional commitments and focus on my family, which includes our four children,” said Barin in the statement, obtained by Playback.

Barin was appointed to the role for a five-year term, which began on Feb. 8, 2023. She first held the position on an interim basis, starting in August 2022, and also held the role of Quebec commissioner.

Barin, who was part of the CRTC panel during its three-week hearings on the modernization of the Canadian broadcast system, added: “I will always cherish my time at the CRTC and wish the team all the best as they work to continue to ensure a modern, inclusive and timely organization that benefits all Canadians.”

Barin’s career includes roles at Astral Media, including VP, strategic planning (2000-2013), and director, regulatory affairs (1996-2000), as well as the architecture and planning firm COEX in Montreal.

“The government of Canada thanks Alicia Barin for her contributions to the CRTC, as both vice-chairperson, broadcasting and regional commissioner for Quebec,” said a representative of Canadian Heritage in a statement to Playback. “No interim replacement has been appointed. The government is working on filling the vacancy and an appointment will be made in due course.”

Photo by Patrizia Castlione