Thank you, Mr. Chair.
The point is that with proposed new section 4.1 removed, the bill allows the CRTC to regulate the content that an individual might post on their YouTube channel or their Facebook page or in a TikTok video that they might put up.
I have stated that I am contending for a new charter statement. Ms. Dabrusin has put forward the amendment that we not do that until the end of the bill. I believe that it is absolutely essential now because of the damage that can be done to individuals and to their ability to speak freely within what we now call the “new public square” that is social media.
Because that impact is so severe, we have to stop now and consider whether or not this is actually in alignment with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms—particularly with section 2(b), which of course protects thought, belief, opinion and expression.
That is what I'm contending for, but there are many experts who would also contend for this. They would say, “Whoa, this bill in its current state goes too far.” It is incumbent, then, upon the members of this committee to push the pause button and seek a legal opinion. That legal opinion comes in the form of a charter statement.
I'm talking about Professor Michael Geist, Emily Laidlaw, the former CRTC commissioner Peter Menzies and many individuals—