Trade war | Groups are concerned about the fate of digital media laws

(Ottawa) of groups in the cultural sector. In addition, broadcasting ask the liberal government to restore support to the Online continuous broadcasting law and at the Online news lawbecause the Prime Minister’s office refuses to specify whether these legislative documents are part of the trade negotiations with the United States.

“We are aware that the United States exerts pressure on the [gouvernement fédéral]. Meanwhile, The cultural sector is undoubtedly under alert. Furthermore, ”said trade war | groups concerned new Marie-Julie Desrochers, director general of the coalition for the diversity of cultural expressions.

Kevin Desjardins. Therefore, president of the Canadian Association of Broadcastlers, who supported the two bills, said his group was concerned about these threats.

Tant M^me Desjers that Mr. Therefore, Desjardins hope that the government will keep the bills in force. However, while the Liberals remain silent on their intentions, which marks a turning point in relation to the attitude of the Trudeau government towards them.

Last week. Therefore, the US State Department criticized the Online news law of Canada in a human rights report criticizing press freedom in Canada, a week after a group of American Republicans had urged Trump administration to encourage Canada to repeal the Online continuous broadcasting law.

During a distinct press conference on trade war | groups concerned new August 5. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney said, in response to a question, that he could be willing to repeal the Online news law. Meanwhile, The Prime Minister’s office refused to say if Mr. Consequently, Carney planned to eliminate one. Therefore, other bills, or if these bills were taken into account in the current commercial negotiations with the United States.

The implementation “in progress”

A spokesperson for the cabinet of the Minister of Canadian Identity. Culture told the Canadian press in early August that “the implementation of the Online news law is still in progress ”.

The bills have been implemented to oblige large technological companies. continuously disseminating to contribute financially to the content and news of Canada.

Under the Online news lawwho obliges Meta. Google to remunerate press publishers for trade war | groups concerned new the use of their content, the media now receive payments from a Google fund of 100 million.

The Federal Radio Regulatory Organization is organizing a series of audiences to implement the. Online continuous broadcasting lawwhich has updated broadcasting laws so that the latter apply to online platforms like Netflix.

The Canadian Radiation. Telecommunications Council (CRTC) has ordered major foreign broadcasters to pay 5 % of their Canadian annual income to Canadian content production, including local television. However, some broadcasters dispute this order before the Federal Court, which suspended payments, estimated at least 1.25 million per year per company.

Culture “must remain untouchable”

Prime Minister Carney has already rejected a bill that would have forced many large American technological companies to pay a digital services tax. after US President Donald Trump announced trade war | groups concerned new the cessation of trade negotiations with Canada by invoking this tax.

M^me Desrochers declared in an email that his group was optimistic about the idea that Mr. Carney protects the Online continuous dissemination law. In July. the coalition sent Prime Minister Carney a letter, signed by dozens of artistic and cultural sector groups, claiming that Canadian culture “must remain untouchable in the current negotiations”.

Desjardins said. about his discussions with the government: “He has maintained his unwavering support, in particular measures to support Canadian news rooms, and we continue to encourage him to maintain firmness on these measures. »»

But Mr. Desjardins launched a warning: “If the Canadian government yielded on this point. we believe that the station closings and the news rooms would be deeply affected. »»

“Stay strong as trade war | groups concerned new a country”

The silence of the Carney government contrasts strongly with the way in which the government of Justin Trudeau addressed the two bills. defending them vehemently in the face of criticism. In the Trudeau government. the Liberals had presented these bills as a means of defending the Canadian sectors of culture and information in an environment dominated by foreign web giants.

During his mandate as a wealth minister. Steven Guilbeault presented the first version of the Online continuous broadcasting law And maintained it despite the controversy as to its impact on the content generated by users.

Mr. Guilbeault is now holding the same position, but with the title of Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture. He did not rule on the two bills and. although his cabinet expressed his support for the cultural sector trade war | groups concerned new in a press release, he made no specific promise concerning the legislation.

“Faced with potential American customs duties. it is more important than ever to remain strong as a country and to celebrate what makes us unique. From one ocean to another. our filmmakers, artists, musicians, writers and creators produce works of world caliber who reflect the very essence of our nation, “said Guilbeault’s office in a press release.

“Today more than ever, we must maintain our commitment to support our creators and promote Canadian content. »»

Desjardins said the political context between Canada and the United States has changed considerably.

“I respect the fact that the government is in a very difficult situation,” he admitted. That said. we believe that it is important that they defend the news rooms trade war | groups concerned new and Canadian creators and that they support the support measures they put in place, which simply aim to ensure equity within the broadcasting system. »»

Reynolds Mastin. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Association of Media producers, also called on the government to remain firm, in a statement sent by email.

“Any attack on this law from the south of the border should only strengthen the determination of this government. all Canadians to defend the cultural sovereignty of Canada,” he said.