Corus joins growing Canadian boycott of Meta over news blocking
Global News
Corus Entertainment is the latest Canadian media company to boycott advertising on Meta platforms, like Facebook, over the company saying it will block Canadian news links.
Corus Entertainment says it is suspending advertising on Meta platforms, like Facebook and Instagram, over that company’s response to Bill C-18, better known as the Online News Act.
The move marks the latest in a row that has seen Meta and Alphabet’s Google announce plans to block Canadian news content on their platforms over the legislation, which has been billed as a way to help a media sector that has seen billions of dollars in advertising revenue siphoned to online tech giants over recent years.
Bill C-18 forces big internet companies and streaming platforms to compensate Canadian news outlets for content appearing on their platforms.
The Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) is happy to see media companies standing up to big tech with advertising boycotts, saying the future of journalism in Canada is at stake.
“I think one of the things that you have to recognize right now is that, you know, it’s probably close to 70 per cent of advertising in Canada is going to these foreign digital players. And that’s money that is just being funnelled directly out of our economy,” CAB president Kevin Desjardins said.
“So, you know, if you take out those advertising dollars out of the Canadian economy, there aren’t the resources that are there to help support the news going forward.”
The bill, which received royal assent just before Parliament went on summer break, is expected to take effect at the end of the year.
Google says it will block Canadian news content when that happens. Meta has already begun running tests on how to end Canadian news sharing on its platforms. A statement from the company says it will block links prior to the legislation taking effect.
On Tuesday, Prairie Harm Reduction announced it would stay open 24/7 for the next week to offer people a warm safe place until the city’s plan took effect.
The competition watchdog said Wednesday that the ongoing investigation into the Canadian furniture retailers looks at three kinds of marketing practices.
The $7.28 billion budget unveiled by Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante includes a promise to increase the city's housing department budget by $100 million over the next three years.
The union representing port supervisors in British Columbia is challenging the legal and constitutional authority of the federal labour minister to order them back to work.
Randy Boissonnault is out of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s federal cabinet after months of controversy surrounding his former business.
A volunteer group has donated $60,000 to KHSC’s KidsInclusive as it winds down after 119 years, ensuring support for children’s care over the next five years.
Queen’s University will install North America’s first carbon-sequestering field turf at Nixon Field, enhancing sustainability while supporting sports and research.
Gerry Lichty, North Frontenac mayor, was elected 2025 Frontenac County warden. He aims to tackle rural challenges, with Bill Saunders as deputy warden.
Quebec Premier François Legault says the Sûreté du Québec, the province's police force, will 'conduct visual investigations at the borders.'
When people pass by the white-pillared Beaverbrook Art Gallery starting this weekend, they will be greeted by one of Fredericton's most famous sculptures.
The Toronto Santa Clause Parade faces financial challenges but, with public and government support, they are working hard to secure its future and keep the magic alive.