Steven Guilbeault
Hon. Steven Guilbeault
Member of Parliament for Laurier—Sainte-Marie
Engaging Canadians on Fair Revenue Sharing Between Digital Platforms and News Media
August 3, 2021

News release

GATINEAU, August 3, 2021

The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that the revenues of web giants are shared more fairly with Canadian creators and media. This is why we are exploring a made-in-Canada approach to ensure that contributions made by digital platforms to news and information are in the public interest. This is part of our general commitment towards a comprehensive, more consistent and more equitable regulatory framework applicable to web giants in Canada.

Today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, published a discussion document highlighting perspectives raised in initial engagement on the issue of fair revenue sharing between digital platforms and news media, and is seeking further input from Canadians.

Earlier this year, Canadian Heritage sent out a questionnaire to a number of publishers, broadcasters, platforms, academics, unions, journalist associations and organizations representing the interests of racialized communities, official-language minority communities, remote communities and persons with disabilities.

The discussion document released today highlights the general ideas and perspectives raised in responses to this questionnaire. Overall, a large majority of submissions stressed the importance of action regarding declining revenues in the news sector. While there was no consensus on the preferred way for the federal government to address this issue, a number of considerations emerged to help inform policy development.

We now welcome additional comments from stakeholders and the public on the best way to achieve the balance of outcomes set out in the document. Written submissions should refer directly to the policy considerations set out in the document. They can be supported by additional information on investments and revenues within the news and journalism sector, information on online presence and business models of news media, or any other information and data that will support a better understanding of the online news and information ecosystem.

Canadians have until September 15, 2021 to submit their written responses. Details on how to participate are available on Canada.ca.

Quotes

“We are committed to finding a solution that will ensure Canadians continue to have access to a diversity of local and regional news sources that serve their needs and interests. Canadian news publishers play an essential role in keeping our communities safe and informed. This broader engagement is a crucial step in ensuring a sustainable, fair and diverse news and information system and protecting the freedom of our press.”

—The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage

Quick facts

Associated links

Contacts

For more information (media only), please contact:

Camille Gagné-Raynauld
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian
[email protected]

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[email protected]

 

Here is the link of the press release : https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2021/08/engaging-canadians-on-fair-revenue-sharing-between-digital-platforms-and-news-media.html

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