Public interest groups welcome Cabinet support for important CRTC decision

OTTAWA, May 11, 2016 – The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) applauds the Federal Cabinet’s rejection today of Bell Canada’s petition to overturn the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) 2015 decision to allow competitors to access Bell’s fibre-to-the-home network.
“This is the best outcome for Canadians who continue to face a lack of choice and high prices for internet service,” said John Lawford, Executive Director and General Counsel at PIAC. “Cabinet, in letting the CRTC’s decision stand, clearly understands that the CRTC’s decision promotes innovation and enables Canada’s digital economy.”
In their submission, PIAC, as part of the “Consumer Choice Coalition”, argued that the CRTC made the right decision and that Bell’s request to overturn it, if granted, would destroy internet competition and anger Canadians.
 
“The CRTC very clearly and responsibly consulted on the issues, and considered all of the evidence and views before it,” said Geoff White, Counsel to the coalition. “Cabinet standing behind the CRTC, instead of second-guessing it, is the right public policy, and the best consumer outcome.”
The other organizations in the Consumer Choice Coalition are:

• the British Columbia Old Age Pensioners’ Organization;
• the British Columbia Public Interest Advocacy Centre;
• the Consumers’ Association of Canada;
• the Council of Senior Citizens Organizations of British Columbia;
• the Manitoba Public Interest Law Centre; and
• the National Pensioners Federation.

For more information please contact: