"The Do Not Call List was put in place to help Canadians reduce the number of unsolicited calls they receive from telemarketers. To date, over 6.1 million Canadians have registered their phone numbers on the list to prevent this type of phone call. It has come to my attention that there are some who are accessing the list for non-commercial or illegal purposes.

"Upon learning that the list could be acquired and used illegally, I spoke to the Chair of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), who has assured me that it is taking these complaints very seriously. It is the intent of the CRTC to aggressively pursue anyone abusing the use of the Do Not Call List; I wholly support that approach. Significant penalties of up to $15 000 per illegal call to a number on the list can be levied against guilty parties. The CRTC Chair shares the concern that Canadians expect and deserve that investigations into Do Not Call List complaints should proceed quickly and that strong penalties are to be imposed on abusers.

"The CRTC has full authority to ensure that any future enhancements to the Do Not Call List will be done with the understanding that legitimate businesses must have access to ensure compliance, and balance that with what is necessary to ensure the protection of our personal information. I believe that Canadians expect no less.

"An abuse of the Do Not Call List is unconscionable, not to mention illegal, and I sympathize with those Canadians who are being harassed by unscrupulous telemarketers. I encourage anyone who believes their information on the list is being abused to immediately report the call to the CRTC for investigation. All Canadians should know that actions will be taken to look into these issues."