WHEREAS Telus Communications intends to pursue Tariff No. 555 which is an application to proceed with the cancellation of a residential monthly telephone service rates for churches, community centres and senior citizen drop-in centres; AND WHEREAS Municipalities have a responsibility to support the continued operation of non-profit organizations;AND WHEREAS Municipalities recognize that the successful implementation of Tariff No. 555 will cause undue financial stress to not-for-profit organizations within all affected communities;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties urge the Government of Alberta to voice its opposition of Tariff No. 555 to the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission.

Telus Communications has filed an application (TCI Tariff Notice No. 555) with the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to discontinue the current discounted rate for telephone service for Churches, Community Centres and Seniors Citizen Drop-In Centres. Currently these groups are charged a residential monthly rate for one line but the proposed application will increase the fee quite substantially to the business monthly rate. The proposed changes will take effect for new services or when existing services are moved to new locations. Telus has also indicated that they anticipate phasing out the rate for existing customers starting June, 2006.

Despite the 26 official objections to Tariff No. 555, the application by Telus to cancel residential monthly telephone service rates for churches, community centre and senior citizen drop-in centres was approved on June 30, 2006. However, the CRTC included an amendment to maintain the rate for existing customers who request moves or changes.