04/13/2026
The CRTC has introduced new rules as of April 13, 2026, mandating that telecommunications service providers notify customers before their contracts, discounts, or promotional offers expire. These measures are part of the regulator's "Consumer Protections Action Plan" aimed at preventing "bill shock" and helping Canadians make more informed choices.
CRTC
CRTC
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Key Notification Requirements
Mandatory Warnings: Providers must alert customers when their time-limited discounts, promotions, or fixed-term contracts are nearing an end.
Detailed Plan Options: The notifications are required to include a list of alternative available plans and clear instructions on how to access or switch to them.
Roaming Thresholds: Service providers must also notify customers roaming internationally once their data usage reaches a $50 threshold.
CTV News
CTV News
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Related Consumer Protections
These notification rules build on recent CRTC decisions designed to make switching providers easier:
Fee Elimination: Effective June 12, 2026, providers will be prohibited from charging customers fees for activating, changing, or cancelling plans.
Legislation Context: These changes follow amendments to the Telecommunications Act in late 2025, which required the CRTC to implement stronger consumer protection measures.
Canada.ca
Canada.ca
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For more information, you can review the full Consumer Protections Action Plan on the official CRTC website.
Would you like to know how to compare current plans or find out if your specific service provider has already updated their notification policy?
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