I understand your good intentions. Unfortunately, they're misplaced. Those local media outlets will receive very little and possibly nothing at all.
This bill has killed them. Big tech has colluded with big government to do away with news in this country. There will be less choice for Canadians and less access for Canadians. It's a shame.
Let's not forget the fact that, actually, Google isn't signing on to Bill C-18. It's actually been granted an exemption.
Minister, when you celebrate the success of Bill C-18, let's look at this. Facebook walked away. It's not carrying news anymore, so it's not under Bill C-18. Google is the second one the bill applied to. It applied for an exemption. You entered into a backroom deal with Google, and it got what it wanted. Bill C-18 technically applies to no one. It's an absolute failure. It's a boondoggle, Minister. Let's be really clear about the facts here.
My next question is with regard to Laith Marouf, who received $130,000 from the heritage department. He used that money to perpetuate vile comments towards the Jewish community and towards the francophone community, which you claim to defend. Meanwhile, that $130,000 has been outstanding—