Mirko Bibic summoned over Bell's largest layoffs in 30 years
Bell Canada's CEO, Mirko Bibic, is required to appear before the House of Commons Canadian Heritage Committee on April 11 to discuss the telecom giant's recent decision to eliminate thousands of jobs nationwide.
This summons comes after Bibic and several executives failed to attend previous meeting invitations on February 29 and March 19, as reported by The Globe and Mail.
The committee, having the power to compel attendance when witnesses decline invitations, decided in a private session to summon Bibic for questioning on the job reductions.
The move to summon Bibic was spearheaded by NDP member Niki Ashton due to Bell's significant layoffs, marking the company's largest in 30 years, without providing explanations to Canadians. The specifics of the committee's support for the summons remain unknown due to the private nature of the meeting.
Despite this, a spokesperson for Bibic stated that the CEO had agreed to a March appearance, which was later postponed by the committee clerk, who has yet to confirm this claim.
Ashton's correspondence with Bibic highlighted repeated requests from his staff to delay his committee appearance, expressing a pointed critique of Bell's layoffs and suggesting that Bibic's responsibilities might be lighter if the company had not terminated 4,800 employees.
She emphasized the importance of Bibic's testimony to Canadians, urging him to account for the company's actions.
Unifor, representing many Bell Canada and Bell Media workers, noted that the initial delay from February to March was requested by the company. Bibic's spokesperson confirmed his commitment to attend the April meeting, expressing anticipation for the discussion.
This appearance follows BCE's announcement to cut 4,800 jobs, end several TV newscasts, and sell almost half its radio stations. The company blames these cuts on delayed support from the federal government and the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission for media companies in crisis.
