PM tries to divert attention from the fact that CRTC regulations were a major factor in BCE's cuts

In response to BCE’s investment cutbacks and layoffs designed to help the corporation remain profitable and continue to pay dividends to shareholders and pensioners in a competitive market environment, two of Canada’s political leaders hacked their way through demagogic rants against corporations, BCE in particular, and the foundations of the nation’s economic system.

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It’s a toss-up as to which of the two — Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau or British Columbia’s NDP Premier David Eby — deserves top billing as the economic and political ignoramus of the month.

After BCE reiterated its decision to cut capital spending by $1 billion (half directly related to CRTC regulation that would force Bell to resell access to its network at cheap prices to competitors) — and announced its plan to eliminate 4,800 jobs, including cuts in Bell Media television and radio operations — the doyens of Canadian economic and business ignorance entered the arena, starting with Trudeau, who was asked at a news conference to react to the BCE announcement.

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“I’m furious,” he said. “This was a garbage decision........

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