Canadian Heritage Committee on April 21st, 2026

[The Chair, Liberal, Lisa Hepfner]

I call this meeting to order.

Welcome to meeting number 32 of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage.

Before we begin, I would ask all in-person participants to kindly read the guidelines written on these updated cards on the table in front of you. These measures are in place to help prevent feedback incidents and to protect the health and safety of all participants, including our interpreters. You will also notice a QR code on the card. It links to a short awareness video.

Pursuant to the routine motion adopted by the committee, I can confirm that the witnesses have completed the required connection tests in advance of this meeting.

Please wait until I recognize you by name before you speak. All comments should be addressed through the chair.

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Monday, September 22, 2025, the committee is meeting to study the state of the journalism and media sectors.

With us today, we have, from Bell Media, Richard Gray and Jean-Philippe Pineault. From Cogeco Media, we have Caroline Jamet. From Gonez Media.... Do we have Brandon Gonez?

He is not in the room yet, but we have a name card for him.

From Groupe Radio Simard, we're joined by Martin Simard and Michel Lorrain. They're taking part in the meeting by video conference.

Finally, from Tri-Cities Community Television, we have here in the room Cathy Cena, executive director.

Each organization will have five minutes to present us with some opening comments, and we'll start with Bell Media.

Richard Gray and Jean-Philippe Pineault, you have five minutes—

[Martin Champoux, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

Madam Chair, I have a point of order.

[Martin Champoux, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

I need clarification on the information that we received this morning from the clerk concerning the invitations sent to Minister Miller. We sent him two invitations, one for the supplementary estimates and another for the current study. We confirmed that the minister would be appearing on May 5, next week, but that he would be coming for only one hour. I gather that he's coming for the study on the supplementary estimates.

So, even if we can ask him all the questions that we want during his appearance, this means that we won't have met with him, as the motion specifies, for the media study. I find this hard to accept.

[The Chair, Liberal, Lisa Hepfner]

Thank you.

Are there any other comments?

Mrs. Thomas, you have the floor.

[Rachael Thomas, Conservative, Lethbridge, AB]

Yes, I would like to seek further clarification. This is the first that I've heard of that.

My understanding was that the minister is coming, as per the motion, for the study on media fairness. That is the motion that was approved by this committee: that the minister would come for one of these meetings. Then the second motion that was also passed by this committee was that he needs to appear with regard to the main estimates, as is a custom of this House and an obligation of the minister.

Given that there are two motions that compel his appearance here for two separate meetings, I'd like to have some understanding as to why the minister would only appear for one.

[The Chair, Liberal, Lisa Hepfner]

Perhaps the clerk has gotten something from his office.

All we were told was that he was available for one meeting. He's travelling for part of May.

[Rachael Thomas, Conservative, Lethbridge, AB]

In that case, I would move a motion that we report to the House that the minister failed to appear according to the motions passed here.

[David Myles, Liberal, Fredericton—Oromocto, NB]

I think we can give him a chance to respond. I don't think he's been deliberately uncommunicative to the committee. There were two invites. He has responded to one, but I think we can give him a chance to respond to what's been said here in the committee and to the second invite. It could be as simple as a miscommunication as to which one he's coming for. Let's give him a chance to respond accordingly.

[Martin Champoux, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

I think that we could indeed remind the minister that we absolutely want to see him for this study. This was actually in the motion, and for good reason.

The budgets also fall under his responsibility. If this makes for an acceptable compromise based on his schedule, I'm open to the possibility of the minister appearing for two hours and spending an hour on each topic. I gather that he'll be travelling outside the country at the end of May.

The deadline for the budgets is May 31. So we can ask him to come in for two hours to discuss this. I'm open to that proposal.

[The Chair, Liberal, Lisa Hepfner]

Mrs. Thomas, I think you were next.

[Rachael Thomas, Conservative, Lethbridge, AB]

Thank you, Chair.

I appreciate Mr. Champoux's offer.

I think we could check back with the minister. If it's a matter of availability, he already has one day in his schedule booked off for this. Perhaps he could give us two hours in order to meet the requirements of the motions that have been passed here by the members of this committee.

[The Chair, Liberal, Lisa Hepfner]

Perhaps the clerk can communicate with the minister what this committee has discussed this morning.

[Rachael Thomas, Conservative, Lethbridge, AB]

Further to that, I would ask that we request of the minister that we be given an answer as to whether or not he will appear for those two hours within one week's time.

[The Chair, Liberal, Lisa Hepfner]

We will put that request in the letter.

Thank you very much.

Is there anything further on this? All right, we'll get back to our witnesses.

I see we have Mr. Brandon Gonez in the room.

It's good to see you again, sir.

We will start with a five-minute opening statement from Bell Media.

Richard Gray and Jean-Philippe Pineault, collectively, you have five minutes, starting now.

[Richard Gray, Vice-President, CTV News, Bell Media Inc.]

Thank you, Madam Chair and members of the committee.

My name is Richard Gray. I'm vice-president of CTV News. I'm pleased to be here today alongside my colleague, Jean-Philippe Pineault, general manager of news and operations at Bell Media in Quebec.

We are here on behalf of Bell Media's news organizations, including CTV News and Noovo Info, which together form the largest private sector news-gathering operation in Canada.

Throughout my 35-year career in television news, I've been deeply connected to the realities of producing daily journalism for Canadian communities. I began my career as a local reporter and weekend news anchor in Timmins, before moving into newsroom leadership roles in communities including Pembroke, Ottawa and Victoria. Today, I oversee CTV's national news operations, working closely with local news directors across the country.

CTV News produces local newscasts across Canada that deliver trusted, community-based journalism at a time when many local news outlets have closed or significantly reduced their operations. Each week, more than six million Canadians watch CTV local newscasts. Last year, we produced over 20,000 hours of local news. That level of production goes well beyond minimum regulatory requirements and reflects our strong commitment to serving communities. CTV National News provides Canadians with trusted reporting on national and international events. Together, this local and national structure ensures that stories from every region of Canada are reflected both in local newscasts and in national reporting.

Just as importantly, CTV News is Canada's number one digital news provider, reaching 15 million Canadians each month, while upholding the accuracy, credibility and public trust essential to professional journalism. As of last year, live local and national news is available to Canadians on Bell Media's Crave streaming service.

These significant investments in broadcast and digital journalism are being made in the face of significant structural challenges. Advertising revenues have migrated rapidly to global digital platforms. Viewing habits continue to shift. At the same time, Canadian broadcasters face far greater regulatory and financial obligations than foreign digital and streaming companies competing in the same market.

As a result, the economics of local journalism remain under serious strain. At Bell Media alone, news operations lose approximately $40 million a year, despite continued investment and strong audience performance. These pressures are real, and they directly affect the long-term sustainability of local news.

From our perspective, there is a constructive path forward. Extending the Canadian journalism labour tax credit to broadcast news would recognize the role that television and digital newsrooms continue to play in communities across Canada. Ensuring a level regulatory playing field between Canadian broadcasters and global digital platforms is essential if local journalism is to remain viable.

I'll now turn to Jean-Philippe to speak about Noovo Info in Quebec.

[Jean-Philippe Pineault, General Manager, News and Operations, Bell Media Inc.]

Thank you, Mr. Gray.

I've built my over 23‑year career in French‑language media, first as a journalist and then as a manager. My experience includes working for both local and national print dailies. I also headed Canada's largest news agency and worked in talk radio. I now work in television and digital media.

Five years ago, Bell Media launched Noovo Info, a French‑language newsroom, built from the ground up. The project took place at a time when many news organizations were scaling back. That investment expanded the range of French‑language news available to Quebec audiences.

Along with newscasts, Noovo Info has made significant investments in digital platforms. These investments have grown Noovo Info's audience, particularly among younger viewers. Noovo Info also helps to ensure that French‑language journalism remains relevant to the next generation of Quebeckers.

Noovo Info also invests in widely praised investigative reporting, making a real difference for communities. Like our English‑language colleagues, Noovo Info journalists are deeply rooted in their communities and committed to serving the public interest.

Noovo Info's activities are facing the same economic pressures affecting newsrooms across the country.

In closing, trusted and credible journalism is essential to Canadian democracy, especially in an era of growing misinformation. CTV News and Noovo Info remain committed to delivering fact‑based reporting that helps Canadians stay informed and engaged in civic life.

[The Chair, Liberal, Lisa Hepfner]

Thank you.

Next, we'll turn to Cogeco Media and Caroline Jamet.

You have five minutes, starting now. Go ahead.

[Caroline Jamet, President, Cogeco Media inc.]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Honourable members of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, thank you for this opportunity to speak to you today.

My name is Caroline Jamet. I'm the president of Cogeco Media. We manage a network of 21 radio stations across Quebec and eastern Ontario, reaching nearly 4.5 million listeners every week.

French‑language commercial radio plays a key role in our society and democracy. Its role goes far beyond simply broadcasting news, current affairs and entertainment content. It also helps connect people with political, economic, social and cultural players. Radio brings our communities to life by nurturing their public spaces. For over 40 years, Cogeco Media stations have contributed to the free flow of ideas and information and helped shape the identity of the communities where they operate. We proudly invest in the production and distribution of information that affects local people. We're often the only bastion against the creation of media deserts.

Unfortunately, this role in promoting local content continues to decline as the Canadian media landscape undergoes major upheaval. The increasingly dominant foreign giants have transformed Canadians' consumption habits and diverted the advertising market outside our borders. To preserve our local voices, the government must act now. Furthermore, our industry's regulatory framework was established decades ago. This framework is excessive and largely out of step with today's reality. Not only are digital giants exempt from regulatory constraints, but they also benefit from tax advantages. Approximately 70% of advertising investments in Canada are currently captured by foreign platforms. In contrast, Canadian media outlets that produce local content account for barely 30% of this market, with radio claiming a meagre 4%.

If nothing is done, the news poverty will spread and more media deserts will emerge, particularly outside major urban centres. Urgent action is needed to ensure that our private radio stations can continue to serve our communities. Remember that, since 2008, over 600 Canadian media outlets have closed their doors. In this era of misinformation, now more than ever we need the journalistic content and local news provided by our radio stations. A recent SOM poll of Quebeckers showed that 90% of respondents felt that media outlets, including private radio stations, play a vital role in democracy, and 85% believe that private radio stations provide credible news.

In 2019, the government introduced the Canadian journalism labour tax credit. However, radio stations, which also produce essential and quality journalism, aren't eligible for the credit.

As a democratic society, we need strong Canadian private media outlets to continue to play their role for local people. Meta or FOX News won't be heading to Saint‑Jérôme to inform people about the impact of a new factory opening in their town, or to Saguenay to let residents know about the closure of their hospital's emergency room.

Canadian radio stations fund all their own content, without support; invest in local information; and adhere to strict regulations. Foreign platforms capture Canadian advertising revenue but aren't subject to equivalent obligations regarding content or contributions.

We're asking the government and the Canadian Radio‑television and Telecommunications Commission, or CRTC, to step in and to acknowledge the seriousness of the structural disruptions affecting the radio industry. To do so, the federal government must pursue its national preference approach and take action in five areas.

First, the Income Tax Act contains a loophole in section 19. This loophole allows Canadian advertisers to deduct their advertising expenses when they purchase advertising on platforms such as Facebook. This makes no sense in light of the challenges facing Canadian media outlets. Section 19 must be extended to foreign online companies in order to eliminate this competitive advantage for digital giants.

Second, we're calling for the creation of a 20% tax credit for local advertising purchases.

Third, the federal government must lead by example and prioritize the purchase of advertising space in Canadian media. The public overwhelmingly supports a policy that prioritizes the purchase of advertising space in local media. According to SOM, this type of policy has the backing of 87% of French‑speaking Quebeckers.

Fourth, we're calling for the inclusion of the radio industry in the Canadian journalism labour tax credit. This would bring us in line with the model introduced by the Quebec government in its most recent budget. This injustice to the radio industry must end now.

Fifth, the CRTC must reduce any regulatory burden on our industry, especially since foreign platforms have no such obligations.

These measures aren't about protecting a business model of the past. They're about preserving Canadians' ability to receive information from local sources.

Thank you for your attention.

[The Chair, Liberal, Lisa Hepfner]

Thank you.

Next, I will turn to Gonez Media.

Brandon Gonez, you now have the floor for five minutes. Go ahead.

[Brandon Gonez, Chief Executive Officer, Gonez Media Inc.]

Good morning, Madam Chair and members of the committee. Thank you for the invitation to appear today as part of this important study.

My name is Brandon Gonez. I am the founder and CEO of Gonez Media, a Canadian-owned, independent digital media company based in Toronto, and one of the fastest growing in the country.

Before founding Gonez Media, I spent seven years in Canadian broadcast journalism. I started, in 2014, in northern British Columbia—the second-smallest television market in this country. From there, I worked through Global News in Regina, CTV News in Barrie, CTV's national morning show Your Morning and, eventually, CP24 in Toronto.

That journey gave me a front-row seat to this country's media landscape, from the smallest local markets to national broadcasts. What I saw at every level was an industry filled with talented people and important institutions, but one struggling to keep pace with where Canadians were actually going, so in 2021 I left and I built something from scratch.

Today, Gonez Media produces original written, video and audio content, like The BG Show, which is Canada's number one digital current affairs and entertainment show, and publishes Now Toronto, one of this country's most followed and recognized independent media brands. Our team is just over 20 people strong. We are one of Canada's fastest growing independent digital media companies, and our content reaches over 50 million monthly viewers across our brands. We are proof that independent Canadian media can compete, can grow and can build something sustainable.

That growth reflects a larger reality. Canadians still want trusted journalism and quality content, but they are consuming it differently. They are mobile first, and they expect speed, relevance and direct engagement. The audience has moved, but policy has not fully followed. Since 2008, more than 526 local news outlets have closed across Canada, while our population grew by roughly one-quarter. Today, 2.5 million Canadians live in a postal code with only one or no local news source. Meanwhile, digital media now outpaces traditional formats in Canada at a nearly 2:1 ratio. The platforms on which Canadians spend their time have changed dramatically. The policy frameworks governing Canadian media have not kept pace with that reality.

Bill C-18 was introduced with good intentions to address a real imbalance, but its outcomes revealed the need for a broader strategy. When trusted Canadian journalism becomes less visible in digital spaces, less reliable sources fill the gap. That is a public interest problem, and it tells us that the right approach is not only about regulating platforms but also about actively investing in the Canadian media ecosystem itself.

That brings me to what I would like this committee to consider. The existing programs are doing important work for outlets that have crossed certain thresholds, but there is a gap. There are independent digital media companies across this country past the start-up phase—producing journalism, serving communities and building meaningful audiences—yet they're hitting a ceiling because there is no policy infrastructure designed to help them scale.

Canada has the talent. We have the stories. That talent includes founders from all different communities, including Black, indigenous, immigrant and other under-represented communities, who deserve a fair opportunity to build lasting media businesses. We have audiences hungry for content that reflects who we actually are. What we need is a policy environment that rewards innovation and helps the next generation of Canadian media companies grow into something lasting.

I have three recommendations for this committee's consideration.

Number one, create a digital media innovation incentive—targeted growth support for Canadian-owned digital media companies that are producing original content, creating jobs and demonstrating sustainable operations. It's not a handout. We're talking about an investment into what is already working.

Number two, introduce advertiser incentives that encourage Canadian businesses to direct a meaningful portion of their advertising spend toward certified Canadian digital media. We want to keep private market dollars in the Canadian journalism ecosystem rather than defaulting entirely to foreign platforms.

Number three, ensure the next generation of Canadian media policy is built with digital-native, independently owned operators as core stakeholders, not afterthoughts.

This is not about saving the old model. It's about building the new one. What we've built at Gonez Media is proof that it is possible, but we should not be the exception. We should be the blueprint. I am here today because I believe this committee has a real opportunity to shape what Canadian media looks like for the next 20 years and beyond. I hope you will seize it.

Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Lisa Hepfner]

Thank you, sir.

I'll give the floor to Mr. Simard and Mr. Lorrain from Groupe Radio Simard.

You have the floor for five minutes.

[Martin Simard, Vice-President, Groupe Radio Simard]

Madam Chair and committee members, thank you for inviting me to participate in this consultation.

My name is Martin Simard. I'm the executive vice‑president of Groupe Radio Simard. I'm joined today by Michel Lorrain, our broadcasting consultant. It's a privilege to speak to you about the challenges facing French‑language commercial radio stations and to contribute to your work.

Groupe Radio Simard is a family‑owned company that operates eight radio stations in Quebec, specifically in Rimouski, Baie‑Comeau, Rivière‑du‑Loup, La Pocatière, Montmagny and Saint‑Georges, Beauce. It also runs news sites featuring local and regional news. Our company was founded in 1947 by my grandfather, Luc Simard. Next year, we'll be celebrating 80 years of activities geared towards providing information, entertainment, a snapshot of our communities and a showcase of local culture.

Our contribution directly affects vitality [Technical difficulty—Editor]. Regional journalism isn't just a local variation of national news. It's the beating heart of our communities. It tells the story of our lives here at home. [Technical difficulty—Editor] to entrepreneurs, organizations and families. It creates a local connection that no other media can truly replace.

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For a number of years, the media industry has been undergoing a massive shift. Fragmented audiences, the rise of global digital platforms and the migration of advertising revenue have upset the economic balance that supported journalism in the past. [Technical difficulty—Editor] smaller markets and more limited resources.

Yet the need for reliable and thorough local information has never been [Technical difficulty—Editor]. [Technical difficulty—Editor] rumours, misinformation and unverified content, regional media outlets play a key role. They maintain a public space [Technical difficulty—Editor]. [Technical difficulty—Editor] misinformation and a pillar of local democracy.

[The Chair, Liberal, Lisa Hepfner]

Mr. Simard, sorry to interrupt you, but you're cutting out from time to time. Your screen is freezing.

[Martin Simard]

Do you want me to turn off my camera?

[The Chair, Liberal, Lisa Hepfner]

I'm told that the connection is good, so you can continue your remarks. I just wanted to let you know that your screen is freezing from time to time.