On August 25, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh released his plan to lower cell phone and internet bills, which the party states will save “the average family $1,000.” A release from the federal party states that while Justin Trudeau has talked a lot, after six years as prime minister, he is still siding with large telecom corporations who are charging Canadians some of the highest fees in the world.
“During this pandemic, everyone has seen how essential the internet and their cell phones are. Families depend on them to stay connected for work and school. But Northerners are paying some of the highest bills in the province,” stated Nadia Verrelli, candidate for Sudbury. “After six years in government Justin Trudeau did nothing to help families with these bills. New Democrats will. We will bring down the bills to help families who are working harder than ever to make ends meet during this crisis.”
"Many families have no broadband service at all," said Andréane Chénier, Nickel Belt Candidate. "That’s grossly unfair to northern families. New Democrats will lower the costs and fight for affordable broadband and cell phone service for all northern families."
As part of his campaign, Singh committed to work with the CRTC to force telecom giants to reduce the prices on all their plans and cap their fees below the global average. His plan also includes requiring telecommunication corporations to offer unlimited wireless data options at an affordable rate, so no Canadian is hit with a surprise bill.
In 2019, states the release, Justin Trudeau promised to address cell phone bills, but abandoned his commitment after the big telecommunication companies lobbied him. He then gave them hundreds of millions of dollars in no-strings-attached subsidies, much of which went to CEO bonuses and shareholder dividends.
“Not only did Justin Trudeau abandon his promise to lower bills, he sided with Canada’s powerful telecom giants who jacked up rates to some of the highest in the world, and forced Canadians to pay the price,” said Singh. “I’m not Justin Trudeau. I don’t answer to big corporations and I know Canadians can’t afford more of Justin Trudeau’s empty promises. I’m fighting for you. And I will make your bills cheaper.”
