Bell Canada Responds to CEP Filing.

MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 10, 1999--BCE INC. (ME:BCE.) (TSE:BCE.) (VSE:BCE.) (NYSE:BCE) Bell Canada maintained today there are no restrictions in its labour relations contracts with the CEP  which would preclude the company from outsourcing its operator services. In fact, the company has in the past outsourced work functions in a number of different areas.

The company's assertions were made in response to a statement made today by the CEP - the union representing Bell's operator services and craft employees - regarding a filing by the CEP to the Canadian Industrial Relations Board. In the past several weeks the union has made reference to the pending filing and it was expected by the company.

The union today, and on several occasions in the past, has tried to relate Bell's actions to the pay equity case currently before the courts. Bell has repeatedly stated the move to outsource operator services represents the best model to ensure the future growth of the service and is unrelated to the pay equity case. Bell reiterated that any decision by the courts will be applied as appropriate to all affected employees.

Bell also restated its commitment to reaching a negotiated settlement with the union for operator services and craft employees. As it has been in the past Bell remains committed to treating its employees with fairness and respect.

Bell Canada, the largest Canadian telecommunications operating company, markets a full range of state-of-the-art products and services to more than 7 million business and residential customers in Ontario and Quebec. Bell Canada's Internet web site is located at http://www.bell.ca. News releases, speeches and background information are in the library under the main menu. Our e-mail address is [e-mail]