The President of Unifor is warning about the “news desert” being created in Canada following massive layoffs at Rogers.

The media company recently announced the layoff of 230 people and the shutdown of six radio stations in Halifax, Calgary, Kitchener and Vancouver.

The news came shortly after Rogers announced that it had bought out Kilmer Sports 25 per cent ownership stake at $4.35 billion to become the 100 per cent owner of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.

Lana Payne says Canada is “becoming a news desert and the systems designed to protect local news and journalism” are failing all Canadians.