Telco decision violates Telecommunications Act: Union

OTTAWA , Dec. 14 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada's largest telecom and media union has condemned the Conservative government's decision to abandon Canada foreign ownership restrictions on telecom companies as "a sellout of Canadian interests" and "an illegal affront to Canadian democracy."

"This decision is a sellout of Canadian national interests and a betrayal of Canadian culture," said Communications Energy and Paperworkers Union National President Dave Coles today in response to the government's decision to overturn the CRTC rulings on Egyptian-owned Globalive.

"It is clear that this decision violates the Telecommunications Act, which the Conservatives have now declared will be enforced only if and when they feel like it," said Coles. "In straight forward terms, this decision is illegal and an affront to Canadian democracy."

" Mr. Harper must be reminded that he presides over a minority government which has no mandate to change the character of Canada . A bill to eliminate our foreign ownership restrictions would not be supported by Canadians and it is highly unlikely it would be adopted by Parliament. If Mr. Harper wants to change Canada and sell out our telecom and cultural sectors to foreign investors, he should call an election and tell Canadians what he intends."

For further information: Dave Coles, [phone] (cell)