Canadian Heritage

The Canadian Heritage Committee met to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing journalism and media sectors in Canada. Witnesses from CBC/Radio-Canada, Local Independent Television Stations (LITS), Torstar Corporation, and The Hub shared their perspectives. A key theme was the dominance of foreign tech giants in the digital advertising market and its impact on Canadian media. The witnesses proposed solutions such as government support for local journalism, changes to tax policies, and regulations to address the power of big tech companies. Marie-Philippe Bouchard from CBC/Radio-Canada highlighted the public broadcaster's role in supporting the Canadian media ecosystem through content sharing, journalist training, and advocacy. She emphasized CBC/Radio-Canada's commitment to proximity, digital agility, and bringing people together. Calvin Millar and Rod Schween from LITS spoke about the financial struggles of independent broadcasters due to the shift of advertising revenue to foreign platforms. They asked for emergency funding and changes to tax credits to help local stations survive. Angus Frame from Torstar Corporation discussed the challenges posed by big tech monopolies, particularly Google, and the need for regulations to protect journalism. He suggested the government should prioritize local media in its advertising spending. Rudyard Griffiths from The Hub argued that government subsidies to media outlets can undermine public trust and stifle innovation. He proposed reforms to the subsidy model to reward audience growth and ensure transparency. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various issues, including the CBC's role in local markets, the impact of government funding on media independence, and the use of artificial intelligence in newsrooms. There was discussion about the need to balance government support with editorial independence and to ensure a diverse and vibrant media landscape in Canada. The committee did not make any specific decisions, but the discussion will inform its final report on the state of journalism and media sectors. The committee explored potential next steps, including further investigation into the practices of big tech companies and consideration of policy changes to support local journalism and promote a healthy media ecosystem.

The Canadian Heritage Committee met to discuss the state of journalism and media in Canada. Media company representatives from Bell Media, Cogeco Media, Gonez Media, Groupe Radio Simard, and Tri-Cities Community Television shared their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. A key theme was the shift of advertising revenue to foreign digital platforms, creating financial strain for Canadian media outlets. Several speakers highlighted the importance of local news in connecting communities and ensuring government accountability. Richard Gray and Jean-Philippe Pineault from Bell Media talked about the financial losses their news operations face despite strong audience numbers. They suggested extending the Canadian journalism labor tax credit to broadcast news and leveling the regulatory playing field between Canadian broadcasters and global digital platforms. Caroline Jamet of Cogeco Media emphasized the role of French-language commercial radio in society and called for government action to address the dominance of foreign giants. She proposed tax credits for local advertising purchases and the inclusion of the radio industry in the journalism labor tax credit. Brandon Gonez, CEO of Gonez Media, argued that policy hasn't kept pace with how Canadians consume media. He recommended a digital media innovation incentive, advertiser incentives for Canadian digital media, and including digital-native operators in policy development. Martin Simard of Groupe Radio Simard highlighted the challenges facing French-language commercial radio stations, especially in smaller markets. Cathy Cena, Executive Director of Tri-Cities Community Television, emphasized the importance of community media in giving people a platform to share their stories. Committee members discussed the need to support local journalism and address the issue of "media deserts," where communities lack access to reliable local news. There was also discussion about Bill C-18 and its impact on digital media companies. Several committee members expressed concern about the government's advertising spending, with some suggesting that more should be directed towards Canadian media outlets. The committee agreed to request further clarification from Minister Miller regarding his upcoming appearance before the committee.

The Canadian Heritage Committee met to discuss the state of journalism and media in Canada. Witnesses from various media organizations and institutions shared their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Key topics included the financial struggles of independent journalists, the impact of tech giants like Meta and Google, the role of government funding, and the importance of maintaining journalistic standards in the digital age. Léa Villalba and Samuel Lamoureux from l'Association des journalistes indépendants du Québec (AJIQ) highlighted the precarious working conditions of freelance journalists, including low pay, late payments, and exclusion from government funding programs. They proposed solutions such as adjusting the criteria for distributing Google's $100 million to include freelancers and establishing a legislated fee schedule. Jane Robertson, President of the Canadian Media Guild, emphasized the need for job security, fair wages, and protections against the misuse of artificial intelligence. She also called for increased funding for CBC/Radio-Canada and stronger protections for journalists facing online harassment. Éric-Pierre Champagne and Stéphanie Mac Farlane from the Fédération professionnelle des journalistes du Québec (FPJQ) stressed the importance of quality journalism in a democratic society and the broken media business model. They urged the government to address the imbalance caused by foreign tech giants and to adapt copyright laws to protect journalistic content from being exploited by AI. Sheila Gunn Reid, President of the Independent Press Gallery of Canada, argued that independent journalists are being unfairly excluded from government and public spaces due to their lack of government funding. Peter Menzies from the Macdonald-Laurier Institute suggested phasing out direct subsidies and implementing policies that encourage news consumption, such as enhanced subscription tax credits. During the meeting, committee members questioned the witnesses on various issues, including media ownership, bias in government-funded media, and the role of influencers. The committee also discussed potential reforms to support the media sector, such as adjusting tax credits for advertising costs and establishing a national news industry policy. The committee agreed to invite Commissioner Lise Maisonneuve and the Secretary of State for Sport to a future meeting to analyze the conclusions of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission report. However, a motion to invite various ministers and officials to discuss Canada's commitments to FIFA for the 2026 World Cup was defeated.

The Canadian Heritage Committee met to discuss the state of journalism and media in Canada. Witnesses from various media organizations shared their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. They talked about the decline of local news, the impact of digital platforms, and the importance of government support. Committee members discussed ways to help local, independent journalism thrive, including encouraging investment and re-evaluating government advertising spending. They also talked about the Canadian Journalism Collective (CJC) and its role in distributing funds from Google to eligible news organizations. Sarah Spring, from the CJC, explained how the organization ensures equitable distribution of funds to a diverse range of news outlets. Murray Wood from Rawlco Radio talked about the importance of local radio and how it serves the community. Benoit Chartier and Sylvain Poisson from Hebdos Québec talked about the challenges faced by French-language weekly newspapers, including unfair rates from Canada Post and low levels of government advertising. Robert Ranger and Sébastien Côté from RNC Media talked about the importance of local television news and the need for government support to protect Canadians' access to credible information. Cindy Simard and Pierre Harvey from Télé Inter-Rives talked about the challenges faced by independent television stations and the need for financial support from the government.

The Canadian Heritage Committee met to discuss and approve two proposed laws that would recognize Arab and Ukrainian heritage months in Canada. The first part of the meeting focused on the proposed law for Arab Heritage Month, sponsored by MP Ahmed Hussen. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of Arab Canadians and promoting education about their culture and history. Committee members discussed how this recognition could foster social cohesion and reduce misconceptions about the Arab community. The committee quickly agreed to pass the proposed law. The second part of the meeting addressed the proposed law for Ukrainian Heritage Month, sponsored by MP Yvan Baker and Senator Stanley Kutcher. MP Baker highlighted the long history of Ukrainian immigration to Canada and the importance of supporting Ukraine, especially during the ongoing conflict with Russia. Senator Kutcher joined remotely from a hospital clinic to express his strong support for the proposed law, emphasizing its symbolic value in giving hope to Ukrainian Canadians and those in Ukraine. Committee members shared stories of Ukrainian contributions to Canada and the importance of unity with the Ukrainian people. This proposed law also passed quickly. Both proposed laws received unanimous support from the committee members. The committee agreed to report the proposed laws to the House of Commons as soon as possible after the Easter break. The committee briefly went into a private session to discuss future meeting schedules and witness lists for upcoming studies.

The Canadian Heritage Committee met to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing journalism and media in Canada. Witnesses from various media organizations, including Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN), Accessible Media Inc. (AMI), and the Canadian Ethnic Media Association (CEMA), shared their perspectives on the current state of the industry. A professor from Université de Sherbrooke also spoke about the importance of media as a public good and the rise of disinformation. Committee members explored issues such as funding models, the impact of digital platforms, and the need for diverse voices in media. They also discussed the role of government in supporting the media sector while maintaining journalistic independence. Marie-Eve Carignan, a professor at Université de Sherbrooke, emphasized the importance of funding journalism, especially local and Indigenous media, and highlighted the need for media accountability and media literacy. Cheryl McKenzie and Mike Omelus from APTN discussed the challenges of reaching audiences in the digital age and proposed a services of exceptional importance fund to support broadcasters providing essential public value. David Errington from AMI spoke about the importance of accessible media for people with disabilities and the need for sustainable funding. Kiumars Rezvanifar and Madeline Ziniak from CEMA raised concerns about the lack of dedicated federal support for independent multilingual community television producers. Committee members questioned the witnesses on a range of issues, including the impact of foreign influence on ethnic media, the challenges of measuring audience reach in rural and remote areas, and the role of artificial intelligence in journalism. They also discussed the need for greater diversity and representation in media, as well as the importance of maintaining journalistic standards in the face of disinformation and online hate. The committee explored the balance between government support and journalistic independence, and the need for sustainable funding models for media organizations. The committee agreed that the media landscape is facing significant challenges, including declining revenues, the rise of digital platforms, and the spread of disinformation. They recognized the importance of supporting diverse voices in media and ensuring that all Canadians have access to accurate and reliable information. The committee members expressed interest in exploring potential solutions, such as an independent agency to distribute funds and the creation of a services of exceptional importance fund. They also discussed the need for greater media literacy and accountability. The committee decided to add at least one more meeting to this study to hear from additional witnesses. They encouraged witnesses to submit any additional information or documents that may be relevant to the study.

The Canadian Heritage Committee met to discuss the state of journalism and media in Canada. Witnesses included a former journalist, representatives from community radio, a non-profit news co-op, media advocacy groups, an organization focused on fair Israel coverage, and a news media association. The discussion covered challenges like declining ad revenue, the impact of digital platforms, and concerns about bias in media coverage. Several witnesses spoke about the importance of local journalism and the need for government support to ensure its survival. A former CBC journalist spoke about alleged censorship and a toxic work environment at the public broadcaster. An organization focused on fair Israel coverage alleged bias at the CBC and linked it to antisemitism.

The Canadian Heritage Committee met to discuss funding for various cultural institutions and programs. The Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, Marc Miller, presented supplementary estimates (B) for 2025-26, which included additional funding of $120.7 million for Canadian Heritage. This funding aims to strengthen cultural institutions, support Canadian creators and producers, and promote diversity and gender equality in sports. The Minister emphasized the importance of arts and culture in protecting Canadian identity and democratic values. Committee members questioned the Minister on topics ranging from CBC's role in fostering social cohesion to the allocation of funds to regional media outlets. Rachael Thomas (Conservative) questioned Minister Miller about his definition of "social cohesion" and raised concerns about media independence, citing a statement from the Canadian Media Producers Association. Minister Miller defended the CBC's independence and clarified that the statement came from producers, not journalists. Fares Al Soud (Liberal) asked about the Minister's priorities for Canadian Heritage and how the supplementary estimates reflect those priorities. Minister Miller highlighted the importance of supporting the arts and culture sector and ensuring access to truthful information. Martin Champoux (Bloc Québécois) questioned the Minister about Canada's position on a UNESCO protocol to protect cultural industries in the digital age. He also raised concerns about digital companies' contributions to the cultural ecosystem. Kevin Waugh (Conservative) inquired about missing indigenous art and job cuts at the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum. Zoe Royer (Liberal) discussed the sustainability of community and ethnic television and the importance of CPAC for parliamentary transparency. Committee members also discussed the future of the creative export program, the impact of AI on the cultural sector, and funding for smaller communities. The committee requested more information on the review of the Anti-Hate Network and funding for mid-sized cities. The committee agreed to recirculate the Minister's response about the Anti-Hate Network from November. The committee adjourned after discussing Canada Day funding, cultural infrastructure, and the impact of Bill C-15 on the Réseau BIBLIO du Québec.

The Canadian Heritage Committee met to discuss the effects of influencers and social media on children and teens. Committee members heard from several witnesses, including Carol Todd, whose daughter Amanda died due to online bullying, and representatives from organizations focused on child safety and mental health. The discussion covered the harms of social media, including cyberbullying, exploitation, and exposure to harmful content, as well as the manipulative economic models used by social media companies to keep users engaged. Witnesses emphasized the need for government action to protect children online. Carol Todd shared her personal story and advocated for an online safety act, urging the government to take action to protect children from online harms. Maude Bonenfant explained how social media platforms use economic models and persuasive techniques to keep young people engaged and collect their data. Guy Desrosiers emphasized that screens are a lifestyle habit and called for investment in understanding and managing screen time. Sara Austin from Children First Canada, along with youth representatives Zachary Fathally and Josephine Maharaj, stressed the urgency of the situation and called for the government to pass an online safety act quickly. Karen Orser discussed the increase in technology-facilitated child abuse cases and the need for better coordination between child advocacy centers and law enforcement. Aimee Berends shared the clinical perspectives on the impact of social media on children's mental health, highlighting the need for clear guidelines for families and more support for parents. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various aspects of online safety, including age restrictions, regulation of tech companies, and the role of education and awareness. Witnesses generally agreed that a multi-faceted approach is needed, including government regulation of tech companies, education for parents and children, and safety by design on social media platforms. There was a call for the government to table and pass an online safety act that includes a duty of care for tech companies, independent oversight, and protections for children. The committee acknowledged the urgency of the issue and the need for action to protect children from online harms. The committee will now prepare a report with recommendations based on the evidence heard during the meetings.

The Canadian Heritage Committee met to discuss the impact of social media influencers and online content on children and teenagers. Witnesses shared their expertise on topics like online safety, exploitation, and digital literacy. The committee heard about the risks children face online, including grooming, cyberbullying, and exposure to harmful content. They also discussed how social media can affect kids' mental health and their understanding of the world. Perry Mason, a restorative justice consultant, talked about the need to understand the "digital sovereign" generation and their unique online culture. He cautioned against regulating without understanding and suggested approaching youth with curiosity instead of judgment. Tiana Sharifi, from the Center for Exploitation Education, highlighted how influencer culture can sexualize and exploit young people. She recommended holding social media platforms accountable for harmful content and enforcing age verification measures. Dimitri Pavlounis from Civix emphasized the importance of media literacy education to help young people navigate online information. He noted that media literacy is already in school curriculums, but teachers need more support to teach it effectively. Ève Tessier-Bouchard, who runs a French-language newspaper for kids called Les As de l'info, shared how her organization promotes digital citizenship and critical thinking. She argued that kids should be included in conversations about issues that affect them. Stacy Hanson, a high school counsellor, described the real-world consequences of online harassment and exploitation that she sees in schools. She urged the committee to consider platform accountability, age verification, and stronger protections against image-based abuse. André Côté from The Dais think tank called for a new online safety law with stronger protections for young people and regulations for AI chatbots. He also emphasized the importance of including youth voices in policy decisions. Committee members asked questions about age verification, algorithm protection, and how to balance the positive and negative aspects of social media. Witnesses offered recommendations for how the government and social media platforms can better protect children and teenagers online. The committee will use the information gathered to inform their study and future actions.

The Canadian Heritage Committee met to discuss the impact of social media and influencers on children and teenagers. Committee members heard from experts on topics like online radicalization, the spread of misinformation, and the mental health effects of social media use. Witnesses included David Morin, Aengus Bridgman, Michael Cooper, Katie Paul, and Marie-Eve Carignan. David Morin spoke about how social media can expose young people to hateful content and violent extremism. He noted that extremists are targeting younger individuals and using mainstream platforms as gateways to more violent content. He stressed the importance of platforms regulating harmful content and politicians making responsible statements. Aengus Bridgman discussed how influencers are becoming primary sources of news and political information for young people. He highlighted the role of algorithms in spreading influencer content and the need for updated regulations that account for this new reality. He suggested that algorithmic discovery is a key mechanism that platforms can control. Michael Cooper shared data on the mental health impacts of screen time and social media use, especially among youth. He noted the connection between excessive screen time and issues like anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Katie Paul discussed how tech companies profit from harmful content, including ads for drugs and weapons, and called for stronger regulations to hold these companies accountable. Marie-Eve Carignan emphasized the importance of media literacy and providing parents and teachers with tools to help young people navigate online content. The committee discussed potential solutions like age verification, content moderation, and regulating algorithms.