Ottawa – Canada has gone from world leader to world laggard in terms of digital access and its citizens are paying the price, says New Democrat MP Charlie Angus (Timmins-James Bay).

According to a recent report by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Canada has fallen, under the Conservative government, to 20th place in terms of speed and 25th out of 26th terms of affordability among industrialized countries.

“Canadians are paying some of the highest costs for some of the lowest speeds. A small cabal of cable giants have been allowed to squeeze out competition and slow down innovation while dinging the consumer for third-rate service.”

Angus says Canada is being left behind because a hands-off policy towards a small group of cable giants who control the Canadian market.

“The Harper Conservatives have no vision for a digital future. The United States is enshrining net neutrality principles as a fundamental principle for economic restructuring. The Europeans are setting benchmarks for open access to high speed. Meanwhile, the Conservatives are giving the cable giants a free pass to gouge consumers.”

New Democrat Industry Critic Brian Masse (Windsor West) says the Conservatives' lack of vision means Canada’s competitive base is being undermined.

“If we are going to compete on the world stage, we need to ensure that all Canadians and all region have access to affordable high speed internet. The Conservatives simply don’t understand the basic principles that need to be in place in order to develop a digital strategy that will take us forward instead of backwards.”