NDP welcomes Competition Bureau decision

Cell phone companies must be accountable for false advertising

OTTAWA – The NDP congratulated the Competition Bureau today for its decision to prosecute Canada’s three telecommunications giants for allegedly misleading advertisements about free text messaging services.

“Consumers deserve better than misleading advertising and companies trying to take advantage of them”, said New Democrat critic for Consumer Protection, Glenn Thibeault. “We support the good work of the Competition Bureau and look forward to consumers getting their day in court. They may even be reimbursed for the services they thought they were getting for free.”

The case was brought before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice under the Competition Act. The federal watchdog is seeking $31 million for consumers in compensation and penalties.

“False advertising is unacceptable. We hope this decision will discourage Canada’s big telecom companies from taking advantage of consumers in the future,” added Thibeault.