Evidence of meeting #58 for Canadian Heritage in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was journalists.
A recording is available from Parliament.
2:30 p.m.
The Clerk
Mrs. Thomas has her hand up, Dr. Fry.
2:30 p.m.
Conservative
Rachael Thomas Conservative Lethbridge, AB
Thank you. I want to be certain.
I guess this is for the legislative clerk. My understanding of the Liberal one is that it's an amendment, not a subamendment. It means that we'll consider it later on, when its turn comes.
That would mean, then, that CPC-22 and those others that you listed could still potentially be considered.
2:30 p.m.
Liberal
2:30 p.m.
Legislative Clerk
Yes. If we did it in the order in which they were put in the package, the answer is yes.
2:30 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Hedy Fry
Thank you.
Right now, we're dealing with CPC-21. I shall ask the question.
Shall CPC-21 carry?
(Amendment negatived: nays 7; yeas 4 [See Minutes of Proceedings])
We're going to go to CPC-22.
Go ahead, Mrs. Thomas.
2:30 p.m.
Conservative
Rachael Thomas Conservative Lethbridge, AB
Thank you, Madam Chair.
CPC-22 replaces lines 12 to 15 on page 10 with the following:
“(iii) produces news content that does not consist primarily of paid promotional material for the products, services or activities of the owner of the news business or any of its affiliates, or for those of a third party.
Essentially, what we're trying to get at here is there are times when, for example, the front page of a newspaper is taken and used for advertising purposes, rather than for news. It's a paid-off, full, entire page—sometimes even several full pages—that appears to be news, but is actually paid-for content.
We don't believe that this material should be rewarded.
2:35 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Hedy Fry
Thank you.
I can see two hands in the virtual space.
Is there anyone on the floor, Clerk?
2:35 p.m.
The Clerk
Yes, Dr. Fry. I have Mr. Bittle, Ms. Gladu and Mr. Waugh.
2:35 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Hedy Fry
Thank you.
Mr. Waugh and Ms. Gladu I can see, but Mr. Bittle....
Mr. Bittle, go ahead.
2:35 p.m.
Liberal
Chris Bittle Liberal St. Catharines, ON
Thank you so much, Madam Chair.
The concern that is addressed in this amendment about promotional material is already dealt with in proposed section 31, which clarifies what content can be bargained for. It excludes outlets intended to promote particular interests.
As such, I'll be opposed to this amendment.
2:35 p.m.
Conservative
Marilyn Gladu Conservative Sarnia—Lambton, ON
Thank you, Chair.
I have a question for Ms. Thomas.
If the government gives $595 million to news outlets to say nice things about them in the lead-up to an election, is that considered paid promotional material?
December 2nd, 2022 / 2:35 p.m.
Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Cultural Affairs, Department of Canadian Heritage
It was a question for MP Thomas, I believe.
2:35 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Hedy Fry
Yes. I would like to know the answer, though, from your perspective at some point.
MP Thomas, do you have an answer for that?
2:35 p.m.
Conservative
Rachael Thomas Conservative Lethbridge, AB
I would let my friend Mr. Ripley respond, should he wish to do so.
2:35 p.m.
Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Cultural Affairs, Department of Canadian Heritage
It's so generous of you, MP Thomas.
Thank you for the question, MP Gladu.
No, the government's position would be that the tax credit framework, which is what underpins your question of $595 million, does not constitute paying for promotional material.
2:35 p.m.
Conservative
2:35 p.m.
Conservative
Kevin Waugh Conservative Saskatoon—Grasswood, SK
Thanks, Madam Chair.
I'm looking at the National Post today. It says “There's no present like the present”. It's a Jack Daniel's ad on the front page of the National Post, along with several car ads.
We've brought this up in the past, and it's kind of interesting that now The Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star and the National Post, in particular, are selling ads on their front pages. I should also add that the Toronto Sun today has Leon's “breaking news”.
It's a concern for editorial people out there, but we also know that if the newspapers can sell an ad, they will. That's all I'll say.
2:35 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Hedy Fry
Thank you, Mr. Waugh.
Is there any further discussion?
Shall CPC-22 carry?
(Amendment negatived: nays 7; yeas 4 [See Minutes of Proceedings])
We are on amendment NDP-17.
Go ahead, Mr. Julian.
2:35 p.m.
NDP
Peter Julian NDP New Westminster—Burnaby, BC
I'm pleased to announce, Madam Chair, that I'm withdrawing NDP-17 for the consideration we're going to have of BQ-4.