Bell Canada CEO Mirko Bibic faced tough questions from members of the House of Commons committee on Tuesday as he defended the company’s recent job cuts.
During his testimony, Bibic emphasized that the decision to cut 5,000 jobs was necessary for the company’s long-term success and sustainability. He stated that the telecommunications industry is constantly evolving and Bell must adapt in order to remain competitive.
Bibic also addressed concerns about the impact of the job cuts on employees, stating that the company is committed to supporting those affected through severance packages and job placement services.
In response to criticism about the timing of the job cuts during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bibic explained that the decision was made before the pandemic and was not related to it. He also noted that Bell has continued to hire new employees in areas such as network infrastructure and customer service.
Members of the committee pressed Bibic on the company’s profits and executive compensation, with some suggesting that the job cuts were a way to increase profits and bonuses for top executives. Bibic defended the company’s financial decisions, stating that they are necessary to invest in new technologies and maintain a strong network for customers.
Bibic also addressed concerns about the impact of the job cuts on customer service, stating that the company is committed to maintaining high levels of service and will not compromise on quality.
In conclusion, Bibic reiterated that the job cuts were a difficult but necessary decision for the long-term success of the company. He assured the committee that Bell remains committed to its employees, customers, and the Canadian economy.