We welcome today’s decision by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Our government understands that Canadian families expect choice and fair treatment when it comes to their spending on everyday items and services. It is our belief that Canadians should no longer have to pay for channels that they do not want in order to watch the channels that they do.

Today, the CRTC has responded in kind, by confirming Canadians will have more choice when picking their cable packages than ever before.

While we understand that the CRTC feels the industry needs time to adjust to the new rules, we call on all industry players to deliver the choice Canadians deserve in a timely manner.

In the Speech from the Throne, our government asked the CRTC to report on how the broadcasting system could be moved to provide greater choice to consumers while protecting Canadian jobs. This is just part of our Government’s plan to take action to ensure greater choice, lower prices, and competition that benefits consumers – the Canadian families who keep our economy strong. Canadians know that a consumers-first approach is good for everyone, from improved cross-border trade within Canada to ending charges for those who wish to receive paper copies of their wireless or telephone bills.

Our Government understands Canadian families work hard, and they, like us, make every dollar count. Ensuring they have more choice in the marketplace is one way we can recognize that.