Rogers-Shaw deal: Champagne says ‘public interest’ key as former deadline arrives

Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said the decision he makes on the proposed Rogers-Shaw merger will focus on providing lower prices for consumers.

Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says delivering lower wireless prices for Canadians is his priority in weighing final approvals for the proposed merger between Rogers Communications Inc. and Shaw Communications Inc.

“My role is to protect public interest,” he told reporters on his way into a Liberal cabinet meeting in Ottawa on Tuesday.

“I’ll be rendering a decision in due course and certainly making sure that whatever decision is in the best interests of Canadians and that the decision will help to bring down prices here in Canada.”

His comments come on Jan. 31 — the previous deadline for the blockbuster $26-billion deal to close.

But the companies extended that deadline Monday to Feb. 17 as they await Champagne’s decision.

The current version of the deal, which was first announced in March 2021 but has evolved significantly in response to antitrust concerns, would now see Quebecor’s Videotron acquire Shaw’s Freedom Mobile wireless division and all associated spectrum licences from the company.

This move, which would expand Videotron’s presence into Western Canada as Rogers and Shaw merge to become Canada’s No. 2 telecom provider, would promote competition in the wireless industry rather than diminish it, advocates argue.

Others, including the Competition Bureau, have argued that the move would increase concentration and hurt Canadian consumers in the long run.