NDP statement on Rogers buying out Shaw communication

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh issued the following statement:

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadians have felt how important it is to stay connected online and by phone during times where they couldn’t be together in person. People depend on their cellphone and internet services for work, school, and to stay connected with family and loved ones – but prices are skyrocketing, and families are facing bills in the hundreds every month.

Big telecom companies are gouging Canadians and continuing to make massive profits in a time where most families are struggling to get by. A merger between two of Canada’s biggest providers will just make it worse.

For generations these telecoms giants have essentially had no competition. They make huge profits, and Liberal and Conservative governments let them.

Canadians pay some of the highest rates in the world for cellphone and internet service – and Canada’s telecoms giants put profits ahead of offering quality services that people need in their daily lives.

Justin Trudeau’s “ask nicely” strategy when it comes to fighting for fairness for Canadians has been a total failure, and this buy out will only help big telecom companies profit more on the backs of Canadians.

Canadians deserve action. The Liberal government must act to enforce price caps and promote real competition instead of protecting the profits of telecoms giants.

New Democrats will continue to fight to lower cell and internet costs – so Canadians can get better access at better prices and have a more affordable life.”