The industry was indeed consulted.
According to Statistics Canada, the average salary for a Canadian journalist is approximately $45,000. The $55,000 mentioned in the bill takes us above that average salary. In addition the credit does not apply only to reporters' salaries, but also to those of all employees in the press room. The amount selected makes it possible to cover a large part of journalists' salaries and is a ceiling to limit the total cost of the credit.