Porting thunderbay bell number to another carrier while being in ontario (I cannot do that)

So expanding the title. I have a bell number which I have been using for ~8 years now but now because I want to port out to another carrier like freedom/fido etc. I was told by a couple of salespersons that I cannot do that because of so and so restrictions.

I mean this is not consumer friendly and sounds sketchy from bell’s side.

Even if there a constraints it is directly related to “a company is trying to lock you in for xyz reason”.

Is there a way I can file a complaint or so and as result I can actually port out of bell while keeping my number?

Any help is appreciated.