The CRTC is investigating the high phone call rates at Canadian correctional facilities following a proposed class-action lawsuit against Ontario's province and Bell Canada. The lawsuit alleges exorbitant charges, including a flat $1 for local calls and $1 per minute plus a $2.50 connection fee for long-distance calls, leading some families to incur monthly bills exceeding $1,000. Bell Canada generated over $64 million from these calls while contributing nearly $39 million to the province. Despite its limited jurisdiction, the CRTC is concerned about the telecommunications landscape for inmates and their families, pledging further investigation into the matter.
The CRTC's decision not to take jurisdiction over the case indicates its limited authority, yet it acknowledged broader issues surrounding inmate telecommunication services.
The proposed class-action lawsuit sheds light on exorbitant phone rates inmates' families faced, often resulting in staggering monthly bills for essential communication.
Lawyer David Sterns emphasized the importance of CRTC’s inquiry into telecommunication services in correctional facilities as a hopeful development for the long-suffering families.
With Bell Canada profiting immensely from inmate calls, the lawsuit and CRTC's involvement underscore the need for fairer telecommunication practices in the correctional system.
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