This bill has received Royal Assent and is now law.
Summary
This is from the published bill.
This enactment amends the Telecommunications Act to require Canadian carriers to make easily available certain information in respect of the fixed broadband services that they offer. It also requires the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission to hold public hearings to inform its determinations on how Canadian carriers are to fulfill this obligation.
Similar bills
C-299 (43rd Parliament, 2nd session)
An Act to amend the Telecommunications Act (access to transparent and accurate broadband services information)
Elsewhere
All sorts of information on this bill is available at LEGISinfo, an excellent resource from Parliament. You can also read the full text of the bill.
Bill numbers are reused for different bills each new session. Perhaps you were looking for one of these other C-288s:
C-288 (2021)
An Act to amend the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act
C-288 (2016)
An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (special benefits)
C-288 (2010)
An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (tax credit for new graduates working in designated regions)
Votes
April 26, 2023Passed 3rd reading and adoption of Bill C-288, An Act to amend the Telecommunications Act (transparent and accurate broadband services information)
Nov. 30, 2022Passed 2nd reading of Bill C-288, An Act to amend the Telecommunications Act (transparent and accurate broadband services information)
This is a computer-generated summary of the speeches below.
Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Bill C-288 aims to increase transparency and accuracy in internet service advertising. It mandates that internet providers disclose typical download and upload speeds, including quality metrics during peak usage times, rather than just maximum theoretical speeds. The bill also seeks to foster collaboration between industry, advocacy groups, and the public to develop a consumer-focused model and ensure proper enforcement.
Conservative
Supports bill C-288: The Conservatives support Bill C-288 because it brings Canadians one step closer to knowing what internet service they are actually paying for. The bill would mandate internet companies to provide Canadians with typical download and upload speeds, rather than maximum theoretical speeds.
Transparency and accurate information: The bill would clarify what internet service a customer is buying, providing realistic expectations and allowing them to make informed decisions about which service best fits their needs and budget. It would also provide Canadians with quality metrics during peak usage times.
Need for more competition: Conservatives believe that more competition is needed in the telecom sector, and to improve competition, Canadians must be able to compare accurate information. This would pressure internet providers that sell poor quality services to either upgrade their service or lower their prices.
More work to be done: Even when this bill passes, there is plenty more work needed to increase telecom competition, lower prices for consumers, and improve connectivity for rural Canadians. There are still over a million Canadian households and over 50% of First Nations communities that do not have access to high-speed Internet.
NDP
Supports bill C-288: The NDP supports Bill C-288, which aims to fix broadband services and bring greater accountability to advertising by ensuring consumers receive the speeds they are promised. The member hopes the bill receives unanimous support and moves quickly through the legislative process.
Addresses real-world consequences: The bill addresses important issues beyond entertainment, highlighting the real-world consequences of unreliable internet speeds for businesses and other critical applications. Ensuring truth in advertising and reliable broadband services is essential for fair competition and access to essential services.
Building on committee work: The bill builds upon previous bipartisan work from the industry committee, specifically the study on affordability and accessibility of telecommunications services. The NDP commends the member for using the committee's recommendation for truth in advertising, giving new life to the work and ensuring resources spent on the study are not wasted.
Liberal
Supports consumer protection: The legislation is viewed as a positive step toward enhancing and protecting consumers in the essential service of Internet access. The government believes it is important to ensure rural communities receive the necessary connections to grow and prosper.
Need for accountability: There is a need for more accountability from Internet service providers regarding advertised speeds. The actual speeds during peak usage times often do not match what is advertised, highlighting the necessity for more consumer-friendly practices and transparency.
Addresses misleading contracts: Contracts from internet providers often contain important details in microfont, making it difficult for consumers to fully understand the terms. This lack of transparency can lead to disappointment when the service does not meet expectations, reinforcing the need for a more consumer-friendly market.
It being 3:25 p.m., pursuant to order made on Thursday, June 23, 2022, the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at third reading stage of Bill C‑288.
Call in the members.
Links & Sharing
(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)
