The Canadian government expressed its readiness to engage in discussions with Meta regarding the potential reinstatement of online news on Facebook, as part of the ongoing dialogue with the tech giant in light of the upcoming review of CUSMA. Hermine Landry, press secretary to Culture Minister Mark Miller, emphasized that the government has maintained an open channel for dialogue on these matters, with regular consultations with platforms since the enactment of the Online News Act in 2023.
The Online News Act, which mandates tech giants like Google and Meta to compensate media outlets for the dissemination of news content, has been a focal point of recent developments. In 2023, a $100 million agreement was reached between Google and the federal government, ensuring the continued sharing of Canadian news online through annual payments to news organizations. Conversely, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, opted to remove all news from its platforms to sidestep payment obligations to news providers.
Regarding trade issues and irritants, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer highlighted concerns during a congressional committee meeting, citing the Online News Act as a trade dispute due to perceived unfair treatment of U.S. companies. Greer stressed the need for resolving various issues, including the Online News Act, improved dairy access, and the ban on the sale of U.S. alcohol by provinces, as prerequisites for the upcoming CUSMA review commencing in July.
In response to the U.S. administration’s stance on online streaming and news legislation, Minister Miller is actively engaged in discussions with Meta to explore avenues for ensuring access to news for Canadians, including online platforms. While the specifics of these discussions led by Dominic LeBlanc, the minister overseeing Canada-U.S. trade, remain confidential, Miller underscored Canada’s willingness to be adaptable within the framework of the Online News Act, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding news providers in the evolving digital landscape.