Post/CP say Postmedia told feds aren't dragging feet
2022-01-26 09:15 ET - In the News
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The National Post reports in its Wednesday edition that Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez says the Liberal government is pressing ahead with plans to ensure digital giants pay Canadian media outlets for reusing their news content.
A Canadian Press dispatch to the Post says that Mr. Rodriguez is consulting opposition parties about bringing in a bill modelled on a law in Australia making technology giants pay for news content on their platforms.
The minister said a bill was an "absolute priority" for him and that he was moving quickly to bring it forward. He said there was now a "critical situation" that needed addressing in Canada's news industry.
Hundreds of papers and other news outlets have closed in Canada and the vast chunk of advertising revenues are now going to two digital companies. Last week, NDP MP Peter Julian wrote to Mr. Rodriguez accusing the government of dragging its feet.
Mr. Julian told the Canadian Press that the NDP would be willing to work with the Liberal government to bring in a law modelled on Australia's legislation.
He said making tech giants pay for news, as in Australia, would "be a significant first step" to addressing the industry's woes and helping keep local news outlets alive.