Most Liberals and Conservatives agree the airing of the infamous Stephane Dion re-takes by CTV News was a significant moment in the election campaign.

Krista Erickson

Where the two sides differ is on the broadcaster's decision to air them.

Now, a broadcasting authority will be the ultimate arbiter.

Ronald Cohen, National Chair of the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council confirms a panel will review the airing of the re-takes on CTV's Atlantic affiliate as well as on the Mike Duffy show to determine whether the incident conformed with the council's broadcast and journalistic standards.

"We do have a ruling request. I can't tell you which panels will be involved, but it does look like we are in a position to go ahead with this," Cohen said in an interview with CBC News.

On October 9th, Dion was interviewed by anchor Steve Murphy of ATV, CTV's affiliate in Atlantic Canada. The interview was conducted in English, Dion's second language. Dion asked the anchor to restart the interview three times, suggesting he was having difficulty understanding the opening question.

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper then seized on the incident as proof that the Liberal leader was out of his depth intellectually, not linguistically. And other news organizations, including the CBC, reported on what happened.

Cohen said the council has received about 40 complaints concerning the airing of the re-starts. In its early stage, the complaints process entails a response from the broadcaster to the complainant. If the complainant is not satisfied with the response, then a panel is convened to review the complaint. Panels are comprised of broadcasters and members of the public.

The council expects to issue a ruling within six months.

Krista Erickson