Publisac: The NDP supports steps taken by the City of Montreal

MONTREAL – NDP Deputy Leader Alexandre Boulerice announced today that he supports the City of Montreal in its quest to reduce unsolicited advertising in its city. He also called on Canada Post, a federal institution, to respect the bylaw adopted by the city.

"The Plante administration's request to Canada Post is entirely legitimate, especially when 82% of Montrealers want to see less unsolicited advertising in their mailboxes. This measure would relieve the sorting centers and reduce waste at the source," explained Boulerice. "Unlike the Liberals who simply ignore the problem, New Democrats are on the side of Montrealers. Canada Post needs to be called to order, otherwise anyone can turn to the Crown Corporation to hijack democratically adopted municipal bylaws."

Some 40 million flyers and other unsolicited advertisements are distributed each year in Montreal. Following public consultations, the City of Montreal has adopted a by-law to implement a voluntary system for advertising. The bylaw will come into effect on May 17, 2023.

"Transcontinental is using local newspapers as their Trojan horse to say that they absolutely must distribute Publisac in the name of democracy," added Boulerice. "I have an idea for the Minister of Heritage: why not help our local media by agreeing to distribute newspapers at advantageous rates? This way, we support our democracy in two ways: we inform the public without shoving ads down Montrealers' throats."