MEDIA RELEASE - Canadians across the country need affordable Internet services

The pandemic has shown how much people depend on Internet and cellphone services to stay connected, work and study. The reality is that Canadians are tired and frustrated from paying high fees for Internet services that make big, rich telecommunications companies even richer. They feel like they are being ripped off, especially people who are struggling to get by with the cost of groceries, gas for their cars and other bills pilling up.

Today's announcement is a first step, but government eligibility criteria still excludes many low-income families and seniors who depend on Internet services.

Since Justin Trudeau came to power, instead of taking action to reduce internet charges, his government has protected the monopoly and profits of telecom giants at the expense of the people who pay some of the highest fees in the world.

April 4th, 2022

Canadians across the country need affordable Internet services

NDP Critic for Innovation, Science and Industry, Brian Masse, issued the following statement:

“The pandemic has shown how much people depend on Internet and cellphone services to stay connected, work and study. The reality is that Canadians are tired and frustrated from paying high fees for Internet services that make big, rich telecommunications companies even richer. They feel like they are being ripped off, especially people who are struggling to get by with the cost of groceries, gas for their cars and other bills pilling up.

Today's announcement is a first step, but government eligibility criteria still excludes many low-income families and seniors who depend on Internet services.

Since Justin Trudeau came to power, instead of taking action to reduce internet charges, his government has protected the monopoly and profits of telecom giants at the expense of the people who pay some of the highest fees in the world.

Over the past six years that Justin Trudeau has been in power, his government has paid large telecommunications companies hundreds of millions of dollars in government subsidies and contracts. The Liberals haven't been doing what is needed to reduce the cost of cell phone and Internet services for Canadians.

The NDP is fighting for people and supporting a mandatory universal low-cost Internet/wireless plan for this essential service as many other countries have already done.

We will continue to push for the Liberals to stand up to big telecoms, end the CRTC ruling that favors big telcoms over consumers, and to make sure this essential service is affordable. and accessible to all Canadians.”

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Vancouver Sun: Muslim groups join calls for B.C. Conservative campaign manager to resign

A coalition of Muslim organizations has joined calls for the resignation of B.C. Conservative campaign manager Katy Merrifield over past social media posts slamming Islam.

In June, Merrifield reposted a message on social media that said “Islam is a literal rape culture.” Merrifield quickly removed it and said the comment was a momentary lapse caused by her own past trauma.

But critics note she has not apologized for it, and has continued to amplify anti-Islamic statements on social media, including ones referring to New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani as a “jihad-loving mayor” and blaming Islam as a whole for the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

On Tuesday, Musa Ismail, on behalf of Unified Muslim Associations in B.C. (UMABC), said party leader Lorne Doerkson should force Merrifield out.

Ismail said that, in the absence of action by Doerkson, no Conservative candidate is welcome at any Muslim centre or mosque during the B.C. election campaign.

UMABC joins the B.C. Muslim Association, NDP Leader David Eby, NDP Surrey City Centre candidate Amna Shah and Vancouver East MP Jenny Kwan, among others, in calling for Merrifield to step down.

Kwan called Merrifield’s comments “deeply disturbing and unacceptable” and said the posts stigmatize all Muslims and send “a chilling message” to B.C.’s Muslim communities.

“At no point has Merrifield apologized or taken responsibility for the hurt she has caused,” Kwan said in a statement. “Muslims are not collectively responsible for the actions of extremists, and no one should have to fear discrimination or hostility because of their faith.”

Doerkson did not address calls for Merrifield’s resignation in his public appearances in recent days.

*Click photo or link to read the full news story - https://vancouversun.com/news/muslim-groups-join-calls-for-bc-conservative-campaign-manager-to-resign