Canadians have been dealt a raw deal in two consumer protection initiatives: the Do-Not-Call Registry and Number Portability.
A column in the Toronto Star points out that the draft legislation to implement the Do-Not-Call registry has been amended to include exceptions for charities, political parties, polling companies and businesses with “existing business relationships”. What a farce? Most of the telemarketing calls we receive are for opinion polls or businesses we already deal with. While currently companies are required to maintain internal do-not-call lists, it is amazing how long it takes for the request to “go through the system” for even reputable organizations. Visit https://www.donotcall.ca to demand an effective do-not-call registry.
The federal government asked the CRTC to move expeditiously to implement number portability, which would allow consumers to keep their current phone numbers when switching carriers. A recent report suggests that portability would not be available for 2 years. The reason? Phone companies claim that there is a lot of work involved and “two years is an aggressive and reasonable schedule”. Preposterous! The delay is of obvious advantage to the three large wireless carriers to the detriment of consumers. The CRTC should do its job and look after our interests. Upstart wireless provider Virgin Mobile is urging Canadians to speak out on this issue.
FD: I own shares in BCE.
