Liberals say new online streaming bill won’t hurt free speech — but some remain skeptical
Global News
The bill would require streaming services to follow Canadian content rules, ensuring the companies pay into cultural funds and display a certain amount of Canadian content.
The Canadian government is promising Bill C-11, which is aimed at regulating online streaming platforms, won’t hurt Canadians’ free speech.
But stakeholders and experts aren’t convinced.
“The biggest difference is that it’s called Bill C-11 instead of Bill C-10,” said Peter Menzies, a former Canadian Radio‑television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) vice-chair and past newspaper publisher.
“I think they deserve a little bit of credit for acknowledging that some of the concerns that many people raised last spring did indeed have merit, but their efforts at resolving those, I think, are weak.”
Bill C-11, which is the latest iteration of the government’s contentious Bill C-10 from the previous Parliament, is aimed at modernizing the Broadcasting Act — a piece of legislation that hasn’t been seen any major changes since 1991, before the internet was widely available.
If the bill passes, it would require streaming services like Netflix, Crave and Spotify to follow Canadian content rules, ensuring the companies pay into cultural funds and display a certain amount of Canadian content.
Bill C-10 became a source of controversy after the Liberals removed a section of the bill that protected user-generated content and exempted it from regulation. That meant Canadians’ Facebook and Instagram posts could be forced to abide by certain CRTC rules.
In the new Bill C-11, the government says it fixed the problem.
A mother who was struck by a vehicle, along with the father and three other children, has now died from her injuries in hospital just over a month after the collision.
Erin McQueen believes her tools were stolen on Nov.16 while her truck was parked in Kelowna near Ellis Street and Clement Avenue.
"I am fighting for my daughter." How one Regina family is looking to the community to help raise money for a potentially live saving trip to the United States.
Kingston hosts the 59th Vanier Cup, featuring Laval vs. Laurier, promising excitement, economic impact, and family-friendly events. Full details on the big game.
Saskatchewan has been battling an increase in overdoses for many years. But based on recent data, Saskatchewan’s response to drug toxicity may be working.
A council representing Montreal and the suburban municipalities will vote on whether to stop the practice in the six West Island suburbs that treat their water with fluoride.
Trudeau said he would prefer the North American free trade agreement to remain in place, but that Ottawa was 'leaving all doors open' to secure Canadian interests.
The Florida Republican's announcement came one day after meeting with senators in an effort to win their support for his confirmation to lead the Justice Department.
Quebec's finance minister painted a positive picture of the province's finances, saying the province had a stronger-than-expected recovery from last year's economic slowdown.
Kingston ranks No. 2 in Canada for winter non-monogamy hot spots, reflecting its openness to alternative relationships.
Heffel Fine Art Auction House says “Masset, Q.C.I.” sold for $290,000 at its fall sale Wednesday night, above a presale estimate of $100,000 to $200,000.