Global National: March 31, 2023

We begin with one of the biggest takeovers in corporate history that is set to reshape telecommunications in Canada. The federal government has granted final approval of Rogers’ multi-billion dollar acquisition of Shaw Communications. The $26 billion deal received the green light almost two years to the day after it was first announced. Canada’s industry minister described the scope of the conditions and financial ramifications of the Shaw-Rogers merger on Friday as “unprecedented.” There are 21 conditions for Rogers in the deal, including that they must establish a Western headquarters in Calgary, create at least 3,000 jobs in Western Canada for at least a decade, and invest $5.5 billion to expand 5G networks. There are also requirements that wireless plans offered by Videotron be comparable to what’s available in Quebec. There are stiff financial penalties if these requirements are not met. Anne Gaviola has more. When Rogers first proposed to acquire Shaw back in 2021, the deal got the thumbs down from every political party on parliament hill. Then, the companies reworked the pitch and went back in front of the Trudeau government. The changes changed the mind of the Liberals and the deal was allowed to proceed. But the opposition is still not on board with the deal. David Akin has more on the reaction. Shaw Communications and Corus Entertainment, the parent company of Global News, are owned by the Shaw family based in Calgary.