Canadian Heritage Committee on April 11th, 2024

[Niki Ashton, NDP, Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, MB]

Yes, we heard this. Let's go back to the cellphone.... My time is limited.

Why are you ripping Canadians off when it comes to cellphone costs?

[Mirko Bibic]

We are providing phenomenal service on world-leading networks at prices that are declining significantly—

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

The time is up. Give a short answer.

[Mirko Bibic]

—and I would encourage all committee members to look at the INDU committee transcript from March 18, where all the facts are laid out. They are very compelling.

[Niki Ashton, NDP, Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, MB]

But Canadians are being ripped off.

Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

Thank you. The time is up. I'm going to have—

[Mirko Bibic]

Canadians are obtaining a significant service and value.

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

Thank you.

Do you have a point of order, Mr. Waugh?

[Kevin Waugh, Conservative, Saskatoon—Grasswood, SK]

No, it's not a point of order, Madam Chair.

We have not had bells yet. Is there a chance that we could get unanimous consent to have maybe one more round, two minutes each for the Liberals, Conservatives, Bloc and NDP?

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

Bells have just started, Kevin. Do you still think we could do another 10 minutes with, as you said, two minutes each for each group?

[Kevin Waugh, Conservative, Saskatoon—Grasswood, SK]

I think we could.

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

Is there agreement for 10 minutes extra?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

All right. Everybody seems to be in agreement, so we're going to have two minutes for each party, starting with the Conservatives.

Mr. Jivani.

[Jamil Jivani, Conservative, Durham, ON]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Mr. Bibic, I think you made clear to us today that you are not very concerned about the allegations of tokenism, racism, sexism and ageism made against Bell Media. You have also made clear in your attempts to plug the CTV News app during your testimony here today that you want to make light of this and that you don't want to take this very seriously.

We've heard—I'm sure this is from all parties present in this process—a lot of concern from our constituents that by being customers of your Internet services and your highly priced cellphone services, they are financing a media operation that has shown a callous disregard for Canadian workers despite receiving $40 million in regulatory relief from this Liberal government, and also an attitude of discrimination toward employees.

What would you say to consumers who are concerned that they are financing a highly questionable media operation by engaging with your cell services and your Internet services?

[Mirko Bibic]

Unfortunately, Chair, the last part of the question broke as the mic cut off.

[Jamil Jivani, Conservative, Durham, ON]

It's convenient for you to pretend you couldn't hear what I'm saying, because again, you're being evasive.

[Mirko Bibic]

I take issue with that.

Madam Chair—

[Jamil Jivani, Conservative, Durham, ON]

Again, you're being evasive. You're going to offer another word salad and—

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

Please repeat the last sentence, Mr. Jivani.

[Mirko Bibic]

Madam Chair, I've come here in good faith.

[Jamil Jivani, Conservative, Durham, ON]

The question is very clear—

[Mirko Bibic]

The accusations you've made against me—

[Jamil Jivani, Conservative, Durham, ON]

Mr. Bibic, actually, I'm speaking. It's not you, sir—

[Mirko Bibic]

—challenging my integrity are inappropriate.