Mr. Speaker, twice now, when it comes to local telephone services, the Minister of Industry has shown that he does not care about people in rural areas.
First, he denied that his government was leaving the door open to rate increases. Then his parliamentary secretary downplayed the importance of the CRTC's decision and invited people to appeal it, which is a process that does not actually apply in this case.
Back home, communities are getting organized. They will form a coalition and will demand that the government back down from its stance and protect rural people once again.
Will the minister listen to the people, hear their message and take action?