Media.Knet.Ca

OTTAWA, Jan. 12 /CNW/ - Thirty-three national organizations today released a two-page declaration calling on the Federal government to preserve and promote basic telecommunications goals.

"Telecommunications performs an essential role in the maintenance of Canada's identity, sovereignty, social cohesion and economic health," the declaration reads.

The Declaration identifies specific principles and protections in the Telecommunications Act to be defended and promoted by the government, including consumer protection and improved access for rural communities and persons with disabilities.

"Regulating the telecommunications industry in Canada is essential to the economic health of many communities including rural communities which companies may feel are too expensive to service and to lower income people who can't afford access," says Michael Janigan, Executive Director of the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC).

"The Declaration affirms grassroots support for these principles - which are under direct attack by large telecommunications companies. The Declaration is a direct response to the government's Telecommunications Policy Review presently underway," adds John Lawford, Counsel for PIAC.

"Canadians want to defend and strengthen the public interest in telecommunications, not weaken it."

The Declaration has been submitted to Hon. David Emerson, Minister of Industry and to the Canadian Radio and Television Commission (CRTC).

A pdf copy of the Declaration is at: http://www.piac.ca/TPRP_Declaration_Signed.pdf

For further information:
John Lawford, Counsel, Public Interest Advocacy Centre, (613) 562-4002 x25;
Michael Janigan, Executive Director and General Counsel, Public Interest Advocacy Centre, (613) 562-4002 x26