Archive - May 5, 2007

Telephone service rates to rise as CRTC forced by gov't to change pricing rules

From Angus TeleManagement Group's Weekly Newsbulletin ..

CRTC RELAXES TELCO PRICING RULES: In Telecom Decision 2007-27, released on Monday, the Commission allows much greater pricing flexibility for still-regulated services provided by Bell Canada, Bell Aliant, MTS-Allstream, SaskTel, and Telus, beginning June 1.

  • Targeted pricing – even individual rates for individual customers – is permitted, as long as the price is above cost.
     
  • Prices for optional services (e.g. call display, voicemail) and service bundles are no longer capped.
     
  • Basic standalone residential local rates are capped at current levels, except in high-cost rural areas, where rates may rise by inflation or 5%, whichever is less.
     
  • Overall rates for business local and other capped services may rise by inflation, or a maximum of 10%/year for individual rate elements. (This rule is unchanged.)
     
  • Payphone charges can rise to 50 cents a call, $1 for a non-cash call.
     
  • The deferral accounts established in the 2002 price cap decision are discontinued. [NOTE: these deferral accounts were to be used by the telcos to provide the dollars necessary to upgrade services in rural and remote regions, ie. the high-cost serving areas]

Commissioner Langford issued an extensive dissent. In his view, the majority lost sight of the fact that “market forces cannot be relied upon to protect consumer interests in places where little or no competition exists,” and ”the majority decision equips incumbent telephone companies with pricing and marketing tools powerful enough to halt dead in its tracks any future rollout of competition in their territories.”

TELCOS HAPPY, PIAC OUTRAGED: The incumbent telcos were predictably thrilled by the CRTC’s new pricing rules, but consumer advocates were not.

  • Bell said the ruling “sets Canada firmly on the path to a modern and efficient telecom policy framework."
     
  • Telus said that as a result of the decision, “consumers will soon enjoy the flexibility and innovation fostered by a competitive telecommunications marketplace.”
     
  • In contrast, Michael Janigan of the Public Interest Advocacy Centre said: “The CRTC has given Bell, Telus, and the other big phone companies the green light to raise your local telephone rates. We think the CRTC has abandoned Canadian telephone customers.”

Aboriginal Energy Conservation Program being launched at conference in T.Bay

Press release ...

Province wide Aboriginal Energy Conservation Program to be launched in Thunder Bay

First Nation delegates from across Ontario will be in Thunder Bay on May 8th and 9th for the "Mana-cha-toon Wash-ti-ni-gun," or the "Conserve the Light" Gathering, at the Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel & Suites.

The conference will launch the Ontario Power Authority's Energy Efficiency & Conservation Measures for Aboriginal Communities (EEMAC) program for all 134 First Nation communities across Ontario.

WHAT:  

Launch of Aboriginal Energy Conservation Program and unveiling of Household Energy Conservation Kits

WHEN:  

Tuesday, May 8th, 2007, 10:15 AM

WHERE: 

Provincial Room, Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel & Suites, 17 North Cumberland St., Thunder Bay, Ontario

WHO:            

  • Jan Carr, CEO, Ontario Power Authority
  • Angus Toulouse, Ontario Regional Chief
  • Charles Fox, Program Manager, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Measures for Aboriginal Communities Program

Media are also invited to the opening session on Tuesday, May 8th taking place in the Provincial Room from 9:00 AM to 10:15 AM.

Participants in the opening session will include Chief Harold Pelletier, FWFN; Mayor Lynn Peterson, City of Thunder Bay; Jan Carr, CEO, Ontario Power Authority; Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse; Grand Chief Stan Beardy, NAN; Grand Chief Arnold Gardner, Treaty #3; Tim Pile, MNO; and Charles Fox, Program Manager, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Measures for Aboriginal Communities Program

For more information, please contact:

  • Tim Taylor, Ontario Power Authority, 416-969-6353
  • Don Huff (on-site Tuesday), 416-805-7720

In pursuit of its mandate of ensuring an adequate, long-term supply of electricity for Ontario, the Ontario Power Authority creates and implements conservation and demand management programs, ensures adequate investment in new supply infrastructure, performs long-term electricity system planning, and facilitates the development of a more sustainable and competitive electricity system.

Fort Severn First Nation looking for candidate to fill Band Manager position

FORT SEVERN FIRST NATION BAND MANAGER

The Fort Severn First Nations is located in northern Ontario, near Hudson’s Bay. The First Nation administers a number of programs and services, including several business ventures. The community is a remote “fly-in” community.

The First Nation Manager position requires strong management and supervisory experience, good interpersonal and communications skills, knowledge of the culture and traditions of First Nations and knowledge of government funding processes.

The position will provide leadership and management oversight to the all community programs, projects and personnel of the Fort Severn First Nation. This is a high profile position requires skills in program monitoring, coordination and providing technical assistance to the Chief and Council, program development, strategic planning, identifying budget requirements, recruitment and performance appraisal of professional and support staff, and  capacity building.

Qualifications & Experience:

  • Post secondary education in business administration or management related program.
  • A minimum of five years experience in the management of a First Nation.
  • Knowledge of government and financial policies as related to First Nation business activities.
  • Proven ability to delegate work and supervise subordinates
  • Thorough knowledge and understanding accountability requirements
  • Excellent interpersonal skills including people management, adaptability, and professional integrity.
  • Previous experience dealing with INAC ( CFNFA) and other government funding agreements.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both oral and written.
  • Excellent analytical and administrative skills and experience managing projects and contracts and personnel.
  • Knowledge of accounting principles as related to financial management.
  • Ability to speak Oji-Cree/Cree is a definite asset.
  • Must possess a sensitivity and awareness of aboriginal cultures.

A competitive compensation package based on qualifications is offered for this key management position. Salary range offered: $55,000-$70,000, depending on experience. Complete with group benefits plan, pension plan and travel assistance provided. Applications sent by either fax, mail or email accepted. 

Please forward your resume by May 30, 2007 along with three references to:

Mr. George Kakekaspan - Acting Band Manager
Fort Severn First Nation
Box 149
Fort Severn, Ontario
POV 1W0
Email:
georgekakekaspan@knet.ca
Fax: 807-478-1103