Public Interest Advocacy Centre

OTTAWA – 9 May 2022 – The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) today welcomed the Competition Bureau’s application to the Competition Tribunal, that seeks to block Rogers’ Communications Inc.’s (Rogers) proposed acquisition of Shaw Communications Inc. (Shaw). By requesting the Competition Tribunal prevent the merger from proceeding and also requesting an injunction to stop the parties from closing the deal, the Competition Bureau has taken concrete legal steps under the Competition Act to protect Canadian consumers.

“The Competition Bureau is finally using the legal tools it has to challenge a merger that will make wireless, Internet and TV prices for many Shaw customers rise and risks a less competitive market for all Canadians,” said John Lawford, PIAC’s Executive Director and General Counsel. “We believe this shows the regulator now understands that consumer affordability of essential services is a major requirement for mergers,” he added.

PIAC argued to the Competition Bureau that this merger is bad for consumers, threatens affordability and access to high-quality wireless services, and reduces consumer choice. Canada has some of the highest wireless prices in the world. Removal of the fourth wireless competitor in major markets signals threatens even higher wireless prices in Canada and more limited options for consumers.

PIAC has opposed many telecommunications mergers over the years in Canada – all have which have been permitted to proceed – some with conditions. As a result of the recent CRTC decision to approve Rogers’ acquisition of Shaw’s broadcasting assets PIAC, in participation with the National Pensioners Federation (NPF), have filed a Petition to the federal cabinet to set aside the CRTC ruling.

PIAC has prepared a backgrounder on its position and advocacy regarding the proposed merger:

PIAC Backgrounder: Rogers’ Acquisition of Shaw

Competition Bureau protects consumers by moving to block Rogers-Shaw Merger