moved for leave to introduce Bill C-375, An Act to amend the Telecommunications Act (universal charger).
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to rise this afternoon to re-introduce this legislation designed to combat the growing problem of consumer electronic waste. This legislation is also designed to try to alleviate the strain on consumers' wallets when they purchase a new mobile phone, especially now that we are in the gift-giving season.
Specifically, the legislation would amend Canada's Telecommunications Act through the inclusion of specific language that would compel cellphone manufacturers to create a standardized charger for newly manufactured mobile phones.
In 2009, the European Union implemented a similar initiative. This resulted in the signing of a memorandum of understanding with 14 mobile phone manufacturers to make their devices compatible with a standardized charger.
As I mentioned earlier, with the holiday season in full swing, I know many people will be buying new cellphones for their family members and friends, and the benefits of this change would be obvious.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)