Today, our stations are facing a critical financial situation. Urgent action is needed.
We therefore respectfully request that you call on the Government of Canada to provide monthly compensation in the amount of $1.5 million to stations benefiting from the ILNF, as requested by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters. That amount would raise income for the fund's original recipients to the same level they had prior to Corus's admission into the fund. Let's not forget that Canadian Heritage quickly set up assistance in the form of emergency funds during COVID‑19.
We are also asking that eligibility for the Canadian journalism labour tax credit be extended to holders of a broadcasting licence and that it apply to the salaries paid to employees working in the production and presentation of newscasts.
Lastly, we propose that a government advertising distribution act be adopted that sets a 50% maximum threshold for budget spending on digital platforms. Without swift transitional measures, other independent stations will have to shut down in the short term, creating new media deserts and giving foreign algorithms free rein.
You have the opportunity today to act to protect the plurality of voices, which is a fundamental principle enshrined in the Broadcasting Act.
Thank you for listening. We are now available to answer your questions.