Here is what I got from the CRTC when I asked about cell number
portability. It seems we need to create a demand for this before it
will happen...

Thank you for contacting the CRTC.

Local Number Portability (LNP) is not available to customers of
cellular service companies in Canada unless the company has applied
and been approved as a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC). Here
is a link to our webpage on Local Competition and CLEC
registration/obligations:
http://www.crtc.gc.ca/ENG/public/8180-8.htm

In Decision 99-12 (see eLink below), the Commission confirmed that
non-LECs (such as wireless service providers) should not be given
access to the LNP database to provide portability, since they do not
meet the obligations imposed in the Decision 97-8 (Local Competition
Decision). http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Decisions/1999/DT99-12.HTM

Wireless Number portability has been mandated by regulatory
authorities in a number of countries. Since 1998, mandatory
implementation had been delayed by challenges in courts by wireless
carriers in the United States, and the date of November 24, 2003 was
set for the implementation of wireless number portability in the 100
largest metropolitan areas in that country.

In Canada, there is some consumer demand for wireless number
portability, mainly from subscribers who extensively advertise their
cellular telephone number for business or social purposes and seek to
change wireless service provider. Wireless carriers generally oppose
mandatory number portability obligations, citing high industry costs
and concerns about increased subscriber churn. It is important that
the Commission is aware of your concerns and appreciates the impact of
this decision on consumers, I am therefore forwarding your
correspondence to our Telecommunications Directorate.

I hope this information is helpful.

Yours sincerely,

Jennifer Eustace
CRTC Client Services

1-877-249-2782 /info@crtc.gc.ca/ télécopieur/facsimile (819) 994-0218
Conseil de la radiodiffusion et des télécommunications canadiennes /
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N2

Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission / Ottawa,
Ontario K1A 0N2
Gouvernement du Canada/Government of Canada