Canadian Heritage Committee on Nov. 22nd, 2022

[Rachael Thomas, Conservative, Lethbridge, AB]

Thank you.

I don't disagree with what my honourable colleague across the way has said. The point of this amendment is simply to say, let's make sure that public perception is.... Let's make sure that there isn't any chance of it. That is to say that to be able to gain the trust of the public is to ensure that there are these guardrails or provisions in place, which ensure that the media will not be politically swayed or influenced through bias in any way.

Again, this report that came out in the spring of 2021 highlights that “52 per cent agree that most news organizations are more concerned with supporting an ideology or political position than with informing the public.” That's a CBC report. I think, with all due respect to my colleague Mr. Julian, that's a far cry away from being a crazy wacko news outlet.

I believe it's reasonable for us around this table to consider putting a guardrail in place, which is to say, “Make no mistake, Canadians: We are ensuring that there will be no undue political influence or bias imposed upon you.”

It seems pretty reasonable.

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

Thank you.

Go ahead, Mr. Champoux.

[Martin Champoux, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

That's fine, Madam Chair. If everyone is ready to vote on the amendment, I'll drop my intervention.

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

Thank you, Martin.

Is there anybody else with their hand up?

[The Clerk]

No, Madam Chair.

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

I shall ask the question. Shall CPC-3 carry?

Is anyone opposed?

[The Clerk]

There seem to be a few voices both ways in the room, Dr. Fry.

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

All right. Can you call the vote, please?

(Amendment negatived: nays 7; yeas 4 [See Minutes of Proceedings])

CPC-3 does not carry, so I'm going to ask the question. Shall clause 3 carry?

Is anyone opposed?

[The Clerk]

There are voices on both sides, Dr. Fry.

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

All right.

Can you please call clause 3? Thank you, Madam Clerk.

(Clause 3 agreed to: yeas 7; nays 4)

(On clause 4)

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

The first amendment that is proposed for clause 4 is BQ-1.

Mr. Champoux, do you wish to speak to it?

[Martin Champoux, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

Madam Chair, I've been waiting for this moment all my life.

The purpose of Bill C‑18 is obviously to restore balance to the market, regulate digital news intermediaries and increase fairness in the Canadian news market.

However, I think the viability we're looking for in the news sector, particularly local and independent businesses, is also about the viability of Canada's news companies. This amendment seeks to make a simple adjustment to the definition of the purpose of the act so that it includes the obligation to contribute not only to the viability of the Canadian digital news market, but also to the viability of news companies in Canada, including local and independent businesses.

That's what we call adding suspenders to a belt.

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

Thank you.

Is there any discussion on this amendment?

[The Clerk]

Mrs. Thomas has her hand up.

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

Go ahead, Mrs. Thomas.

[Rachael Thomas, Conservative, Lethbridge, AB]

Thank you.

I have a clarifying question for the officials—perhaps for the legislative clerk, to be clear—with regard to BQ-1.

Can BQ-1 be passed and the next three amendments still be entertained, if that's the case?

[Philippe Méla, Legislative Clerk]

If BQ-1 is adopted, NDP-3, PV-1 and CPC-4 cannot be moved due to line conflicts.

[Rachael Thomas, Conservative, Lethbridge, AB]

Okay. Thank you.

[Michael Coteau, Liberal, Don Valley East, ON]

Madam Chair, can I ask for a two-minute recess, please?

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

Yes, certainly. I shall ask the rest of the committee for a two-minute recess.

Is that for you specifically or for the committee to suspend?

[Michael Coteau, Liberal, Don Valley East, ON]

It's for the entire committee to suspend for two minutes.

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

All right.

Is everyone in agreement that the committee suspend for two minutes? I think we should do that.

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

Thank you.

The committee is suspended.

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

Thank you.

Yes, Peter.