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Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn recognizes Primus Canada for ongoing commitment in employment equity practices


Toronto, ON – August 14, 2007 – The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn,
Minister of Labour and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec today presented Primus Canada with a certificate of recognition for its achievements and ongoing commitment to the principles of employment equity.

Minister Blackburn’s visit to Primus Canada is part of his commitment to promote fair, equitable, safe and healthy workplaces. Primus was recognized by the Minister for its Employment Equity accomplishments and its success in hiring and retaining individuals who represent Canada’s diverse labour market.

“All Canadians benefit when our workplaces are fair and competitive,” said Minister Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minster of Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec. “The excellent work done here at Primus has an impact beyond Primus’ environment. The economic and social benefits of a just and equitable workplace flow throughout communities nationwide and benefit all Canadians.”

The Employment Equity Act requires federally regulated employers, including telecommunications companies like Primus Canada, to report its plans and results for representation of women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities to the Government of Canada.

“Primus Canada is fully committed to employment equity because it creates a supportive, representative and enriching work environment for all of our employees,” said Ted Chislett, President and Chief Operating Officer, Primus Canada. “Our commitment stems from our conviction that it’s the right way to run our business, but it’s a true honour to receive this recognition.”

Primus Canada’s employment equity record was judged both a quantitative and qualitative success. The quantitative assessment is based on the measures an employer takes, the results achieved, the consultations held with employee representatives and the explanation of year-to-year variances in employment equity.

The qualitative assessment is based on measures of how groups are represented in the organization and the extent to which employers have improved the situation of designated groups in their workforce through promotions, hirings, and retention activities.

Primus Canada ranked highly in both categories, outperforming all other Canadian telecom companies. This is the first time Primus Canada has received the certificate of recognition from the Labour Minister.

About Primus Canada
Primus Telecommunications Canada Inc. is the largest alternative communications carrier in Canada with over 1,000,000 customers. The Company offers facilities-based voice, data, e-commerce, Web hosting, VoIP and broadband Internet services utilizing ADSL2+ technology. Primus Canada's national network consists of nationwide switches with international connectivity through its parent company's global network, ATM and IP nodes, and colocation facilities at major cities across the country. Primus Canada is also one of Canada’s largest MVNO’s (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) offering PRIMUS Wireless service. Primus Canada is a wholly-owned subsidiary of McLean, Virginia-based Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated (OTCBB: PRTL). Primus Canada news and information are available at the Company's Web site at www.primus.ca.

 

For more information, please contact:

Jeannie Tsang / Erin O’Reilly
Media Profile
416-342-1815 / 416-342-1811
jeannie@mediaprofile.com / erin@mediaproilfe.com

Maureen Merkler
Vice President, Human Resources
Primus Telecommunications Canada Inc.
416-207-7072
mmerkler@primustel.ca