Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I'll start with a comment. The Financial Times reported, just a few months ago...the headline reads, “Australia’s media thrives after forcing Big Tech to pay for content”. The judgment of what's happened in Australia...there is no doubt it made a big difference in reviving the media sector. I would note that Country Press Australia did a terrific job negotiating on behalf of smaller weeklies right across Australia.
That is a response, I think, to Mr. Jamison's legitimate concern about making sure Alberta papers...and we heard the same from Saskatchewan newspapers. They support Bill C-18, but they want to make sure more newspapers are able to benefit.
The reality is that the question of the principle of this bill.... There is no doubt that all the evidence shows this will make a huge difference for media in this country. Our job, as members of Parliament, is to make the bill better. I reject those around the table who say that the bill is not perfect so we have to oppose it. That's absurd. Our job is to make sure this bill is better.
I haven't yet had an opportunity to ask Mr. Scott, Mr. Millar and Mr. O'Brien.... I would like to compliment the team of CHCH. You do a great job providing news, not only in greater Toronto, but right across the country. Thank you for your work.
Could you take a moment to talk about other amendments this committee should be considering, so we can make Bill C-18 a better bill?
I'll start with Mr. Scott.