Federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has formally requested that Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne block the proposed merger between Rogers and Shaw.

In a letter dated Feb. 12, Singh said the potential for the deal to raise Canadians’ already high cell phone and internet bills should

“I urge you to put regular bill-paying families and small businesses first, this time. Act now in the interests of the millions of Canadians that will ultimately be affected by your decision,” Singh’s letter read.

In addition to wireless and internet prices, Singh also urged Champagne to consider the jobs that would be lost as a result of the merger, citing Rogers’ claims that the deal would save $1 billion in “cost synergies.” He also said the deal is already leading to reduced competition, pointing to Bell’s recent purchases of independent ISPs Ebox and Distributel.

“Canadians need lower cell and internet bills, not higher prices,” Singh said. “We need more good jobs, not layoffs.”

Champagne is the final regulatory hurdle Rogers and Shaw need to clear in order for their merger to go through, nearly two years after it was first announced. The Competition Bureau had sought to block the merger, but its attempts were stopped by the Competition Tribunal and an appeals court.

While the recently extended deadline for the deal is approaching on Friday, Champagne began the week by reiterating that he is not beholden to the date for his decision.

“I am not bound by any date that the parties could decide between themselves. What interests me is the interests of Canadians,” Champagne said. “I will be relentless in making sure that whatever is the decision, that that decision is in the best interest of Canadians and will lower prices.”