Power Shifts to Consumers As Over 20,000 Canadians Act to Block Bell Canada Acquisition of Astral Media Inc. Français
Saynotobell.ca website and campaign joined by Option consommateurs
OTTAWA, Aug. 22, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - While over 20,000 Canadians have made their concerns known regarding Bell Canada's proposed takeover of Astral Media Inc. by signing an online petition, a leading consumer advocacy organization this week also joined the chorus to stop the Bell Canada acquisition of Astral Media Inc. Montreal-based Option consommateurs, a not-for-profit association dedicated to the defence and promotion of consumers' rights, has launched another online petition to oppose the mega-merger and send a clear message to federal agencies overseeing the transaction.
In a statement on Tuesday, the organization outlined their belief that consumers will ultimately pay the price: "With so few players in the market, what options will consumers have if they are not satisfied with their service provider?" asked Robert Cazelais, Executive Director of Option consommateurs.
With 1,700 interventions filed with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regarding the proposed merger, the SayNoToBell.ca website and public information campaign is thrilled that consumers are taking part in this important effort and understand that if the merger is approved by federal regulators, they may be forced to pay more while facing more limited services.
Concern over the proposed merger has galvanized debate across Canada in recent weeks as consumers realize that their freedom of choice could be jeopardized. Canadians can voice their opposition to the deal by visiting www.saynotobell.ca and submitting a letter through the website to Canada's ministers of Heritage and Industry, the Competition Bureau, the CRTC and their own Member of Parliament.
About the website at SayNoToBell.ca
The SayNoToBell.ca website and public information campaign are initiatives of Canadians who are concerned about increasing media concentration in Canada. We are opposed to the proposed $3.38 billion Bell Canada acquisition of Astral Media Inc. and wish to inform the public and regulatory bodies about the risks posed by the merger. We call on the Competition Bureau, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, and the Government of Canada to block this deal.
SOURCE: SayNoToBell.ca
For further information:
Lyla Radmanovich
[email protected]
514-843-2336
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