Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a privilege to fall behind the “no-more” speech.
One common problem that many people encounter when they open their monthly cell phone bill is called “cell shock.” Although not life threatening, it could have a disastrous effect on your pocketbook. This cell shock is a direct result from consumers being surprised with charges on services they were not aware they would be charged for or services they did not know would cost extra.
To counter, provinces like Quebec, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, and now Ontario are introducing consumer protection legislation to help consumers understand the costs and services of wireless service agreements. The ultimate goal of this type of legislation is to promote transparency and accountability in a wireless communication industry by capping the cost of cancelling a contract, by charging only a modest fee for leaving a fixed term contract, by notifying consumers of any changes to their contracts, getting consumers’ consent in renewing, extending or amending their contract, allowing plain language in their contracts, to include all-inclusive advertised pricing for their cell phone plans, to not charge consumers for services while their devices are under warranty for repair, and will provide notice to consumer who are about to incur additional charges for exceeding service limits.
Although the Northwest Territories has limited wireless service and providers, telecommunication continues to grow and we will be seeing a higher percentage of the population who will count on this government to provide adequate consumer-related protection. This government’s goal should be to provide greater clarity and fairness to all NWT consumers with respect to cell phone agreements and follow suit with a growing number of provinces that are taking the lead.
I will have further questions later today for the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs as consumer protection legislation could be pursued through such department. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Dolynny. The Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, Mr. McLeod.
