angusNew Democrats have scored a victory for Canadians by putting an end to the unfair bank practise of charging customers for basic transactions.

Last night, Parliament voted in favour of the NDP’s practical proposal to ban banks operating in Canada from charging consumers an extra fee for basic transactions or to get paper statements in the mail.

Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus says a mandatory financial code of conduct prohibiting pay-to-pay practices by banks operating in Canada, will protect Canadian consumers.

“The banks are making unprecedented profits. Meanwhile hardworking Canadians are getting unfairly gouged every time they try and pay a bill or get an update on their account. New Democrats aren’t afraid to take on the big interests to protect ordinary Canadians.”

Angus says the victory against the pay-to-pay tactics of the banks is part of a larger fight to restore fairness to hardworking Canadians.

“The Harper government looks after those who are already doing very well. Meanwhile people who work hard and play by the rules are getting gouged time and time again.  New Democrats are focused on delivering results for all Canadians.”

This latest NDP win for consumers is in addition to our successful push for the federal tax to be removed from tampons, securing sufficient compensation for thalidomide survivors, greater protections for unpaid interns and our campaign to ban microbeads. Tom Mulcair’s New Democrats are fighting for the middle class. When we work together, positive change is possible.