To The Honorable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage; The Honorable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry; and Mr. Howard Maker, Commissioner of the Commissioner for Complaints for Telecom-television Services (CCTS)

We, the undersigned, urgently call upon you to address the pressing issues within the Canadian telecommunications sector. Our concerns center on the significant lack of competition and the disproportionately high costs of telecom services, which are among the highest in the world.

Background:

The current structure of Canada’s telecommunications industry, dominated by a few major entities, has resulted in limited choices and high prices for consumers. This has not only placed a considerable financial burden on Canadian households but has also stifled innovation and limited consumer rights to access affordable digital services.

The Issue:

The lack of competition within our national telecom industry leads to:

• Prohibitive costs for essential internet and mobile services, impacting the economic well-being of Canadians.
• Excessively long wait times, persistent network problems, and frequent service downtimes.
• A barrier to innovation and choice, hindering our collective potential for technological advancement and digital inclusivity.

Our Demands:

1. Promote Competition: Implement policies to foster an open market, encouraging both domestic and international competition.
2. Regulate Telecom Pricing: Mandate the CRTC to set regulations ensuring telecom pricing aligns with global standards, making essential digital services accessible to every Canadian.

The Impact:

•  Enhanced service quality and lower prices for all consumers.
• A boost in market innovation, offering more choices to consumers.
•  Universal access to affordable telecom services, supporting equitable digital participation across the country.

Conclusion:

The necessity for reform within the telecom sector is immediate and clear. We implore you, as our elected and appointed officials, to champion these changes, ensuring the telecom industry more effectively meets the needs of its consumers. Together, let’s make Canada a model for affordable and innovative telecommunications services worldwide.