OTTAWA –
A pair of public interest advocacy groups are asking the federal telecommunications regulator to delay a public hearing into Rogers Communications Inc.’s deal to buy Shaw Communications Inc.
The Public Interest Advocacy Centre and the National Pensioners Federation have asked the CRTC to postpone the Nov. 22 start of hearings due to uncertainty regarding the leadership and corporate control of Rogers.
In a letter to the regulator, they say they are concerned that the commission will not be able to conduct the hearing in a manner that is fair to all parties and protects the public interest until and unless the confusion surrounding the control of Rogers is resolved.
Edward Rogers, son of late Rogers founder Ted Rogers claims he has the power to fire and appoint board members because he is chair of the Rogers Control Trust.
He has asked a B.C. court to declare legitimate the board he formed after being ousted as chair last month.
However, his mother Loretta Rogers, sisters Melinda Rogers-Hixon and Martha Rogers and their associates say Edward Rogers’ board is illegitimate and the only valid board is the one that existed prior to his changes.
