In the News

April 20, 2016 10:59 AM

ACORN Canada Members’ Testimony Makes Impact at CRTC Hearing on Internet Access and Affordability

ACORN Canada's tireless efforts to keep the high cost of internet in the public eye led members being invited to the CRTC's public hearing on internet access and affordability. On April 14, 10 ACORN members told personal stories about how not having access to home internet has impeded their - and their childrens' - success in the digital economy.

The compelling stories told by these leaders to CRTC officials led to the CRTC Chair to make a strong call for a national broadband strategy. Jean-Pierre Blais expressed how presentations by representatives from remote and northern communities and consumer and anti-poverty groups made it clear that broadband is “vital” to Canadians.

April 20, 2016 10:43 AM

Globe & Mail: CRTC chair makes strong call for national broadband strategy

In a forceful and unusual statement delivered in the middle of a public hearing, the chairman of Canada’s telecom regulator called on governments as well as the telecom industry itself to contribute to the development of a “coherent national broadband strategy.”

Expressing disappointment that Internet access and affordability received little attention in the country’s fall election, Jean-Pierre Blais, chairman of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), noted that funding announced in the Liberals’ recent budget “doesn’t appear to be tied to a clear policy on broadband and its deployment in Canada.”

April 18, 2016 4:36 PM

Globe & Mail: Public interest groups propose fund to pay for expanded Internet access

Would you pay an extra 72 cents a month on your own telecom bill to support Internet access for low-income Canadians and those living in remote, hard-to-serve areas?

This question formed part of a wide-ranging discussion around affordability and access to high-speed Internet on Thursday as the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) continued its review of “basic telecom services.”

April 18, 2016 4:35 PM

AMI: Alejandra Ruiz of ACORN on basic internet

Toronto ACORN member Alejandra Ruiz spoke to AMI about our Internet for All campaign:

April 13, 2016 3:56 PM

ACORN Canada members fight for affordable internet

ACORN Canada's tireless efforts to keep the high cost of internet in the public eye led to our members being invited to the CRTC's public hearing on internet access and affordability. Last Thursday, 10 ACORN members told personal stories about how not having access to home internet has impeded their - and their childrens' - success in the digital economy.