Alberta Premier Jason Kenney -- Previous LNN Story

By Connor Gunn

Jason Kenney speaks on possible Rogers-Shaw merger

Mar 15, 2021 | 2:46 PM

EDMONTON, AB– After receiving word that Rogers Communications Inc. has signed a deal to buy Shaw Communications Inc. in a deal valued at $26 billion, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has responded.

“Today, Rogers Communications and Shaw Industries announced a proposed merger which has significant implications for Alberta’s economy.”

“Rogers has made a number of commitments to increase jobs, service, and investment in Alberta. If this proposal is approved, we would hold Rogers to those commitments, as they would be good news for Alberta’s economy,” adds Kenney.

As part of the transaction, the companies said Rogers will invest $2.5 billion in 5G networks over the next five years across Western Canada.

Kenney says extending 5G networks will help many Albertans if the merger is approved.

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“The merger also includes a commitment to a significant expansion of 5G and high-speed internet coverage across the province, which is good news for Alberta’s rural, remote and Indigenous communities and their local economies.”

The proposed buyout has yet to be CRTC approved as well as other federal regulatory agencies.

Kenney adds that this possible deal would allow a large number of new jobs in Calgary.

“Rogers has committed to making Calgary the company’s western headquarters and to creating 3,000 net new jobs in the West, about 1,800 of them in Alberta. Most importantly, approximately 500 of those new jobs would be located in Calgary at Rogers’ proposed new National Centre for Technology and Engineering Excellence, which would be a big boost to our goal of making Alberta a hub for digital innovation, particularly in the fast-growing wireless and telecommunications industries.”

The deal, which is subject to other customary closing conditions, as well as approvals from Canadian regulators, is expected to close in the first half of 2022.

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