Global National: March 31, 2023 | Federal opposition still not on board with Rogers-Shaw deal

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.

Now, to the disturbing discovery and recovery mission in the water around Akwesasne, Que., where divers found two more bodies following a boat capsizing yesterday near the U.S. border. The bodies of eight people including two children, who both hold Canadian passports, have been pulled from the river. Early signs suggest it is the tragic reality of human smuggling. Police say they are still searching for the 30-year-old owner of the small vessel. Those who drowned are believed to be from two migrant families. It’s believed they were trying to cross into the U.S. illegally. Brayden Jagger Haines has more.

The United States is days away from former U.S. president Donald Trump having his fingerprints taken. Trump was indicted by a Grand Jury in New York late Thursday in a criminal case that focused on hush money paid to an adult film star during his 2016 campaign. Now, he’s expected to surrender himself to the police. Jackson Proskow has more.

One of the most powerful messages from Nova Scotia’s Mass Casualty Commission is a warning about mental health. The final report into Canada’s worst mass shooting was released on Thursday. The Commission says that even three years later, there is a public health emergency. Mike Armstrong explains.

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