An outspoken regional commissioner at Canada’s telecom watchdog is alleging that chairman Jean-Pierre Blais has violated some of the bylaws that govern the commission, court documents show.

In a filing to the Federal Court of Appeal on Thursday, Raj Shoan, Commissioner of Ontario is seeking a judicial review of a decision made by the chair of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission to name three panels to hear matters related to the telecommunications and other governing acts.

Shoan argues that these panels were convened without the direction of the Telecommunications Committee, which, under the bylaw, consists of all the members of the commission and can initiate proceedings, among other responsibilities.

Shoan alleges that Blais exceeded his authority in making these appointments.

Blais has “erred in law and/or exceeded his jurisdiction by unilaterally convening and naming three panels,” the court documents say, arguing that the law doesn’t give the chairman the power to initiate proceedings without consulting the entire commission.

Shoan is asking the court to overturn the appointments.

This is the latest salvo in an ongoing clash between Blais and Shoan, who has repeatedly questioned Blais’ leadership and has said the consolidation of power under the chairman is a threat to the integrity of the CRTC.

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