In Ottawa on April 7, 2021, the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology met to study Rogers Communications' proposed acquisition of Shaw Communications.

Members, including Chair Sherry Romanado and Vice-Chair Pierre Poilievre, questioned CRTC officials about potential impacts on competition, consumer prices, and rural broadband.

Answers underscored a core limitation.

CRTC review covers only the broadcasting assets under the Broadcasting Act. The telecommunications portion requires no prior CRTC approval. Rogers qualifies as a Canadian-owned carrier.

Those issues fall instead to the Competition Bureau and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. The agencies do not conduct joint reviews.

Data showed prices moving lower. National broadband costs fell 5.6 percent to $69 monthly. Mobile services dropped 14 percent to $49.

Household coverage at universal service levels reached 87.4 percent.

The CRTC will consult publicly on broadcasting elements alone.

For Canadian families watching their monthly bills and connectivity, this hearing clarified why oversight for the deal is divided across separate regulators.