Layton to put consumers first in digital economy

TORONTO – Jack Layton today announced his plan to put consumers first in the digital economy.

Layton’s plan unlocks cell phones, allowing consumers to change providers without changing phones. It protects Canadians from usage-based billing and other forms of price-gouging. And it ensures all Canadians have access to internet services.

“Internet access and cell phone affordability are critical issues for Canadian families,” said Layton. “But Stephen Harper is siding with the big service providers making digital services more expensive and less accessible. That’s bad for consumers. And it’s bad for our economy.

Layton said that today 30 per cent of Canadian families don’t have access to broadband.

“Canada is being left behind,” said Layton. “My plan will change that. By putting consumers first and giving all Canadians access to broadband, it will foster innovation and help make Canada a leader in the digital economy.”