0821 ET - A Conservative government in Canada likely won't be a deregulating force for the telecom sector, but TD Cowen's Vince Valentini thinks that it wouldn't take a tougher stance either. In a report, the analyst says conservative governments in the past have been in favor of "tough talk" toward telecoms, encouraging more competition and lower pricing for consumers. Valentini points to the Harper Conservative government in 2007/2008 which had set the stage for a possible fourth carrier. With a four-carrier environment today, Valentini expects the Conservatives maintain the policy going forward. "[Conservative leader] Poilievre has been outspoken in favor of less consolidation (he opposed the Rogers-Shaw merger on an industry Canada committee) and more choice and competition in telecom," he said. (adriano.marchese@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 24, 2025 08:21 ET (13:21 GMT)

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