Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  What I'm saying is that when you talk about funding the free press, you're talking about funding the fact-finding process, the news gathering process, which is really only undertaken by the major media and very few new online media outlets. I think we all know who they are. Those are the ones who are doing the job of really ferreting out stories independently rather than just reacting to an ongoing political debate.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  I'm comfortable with it because we do it in all kinds of other areas. We set up arm's-length expert committees to fund the arts. We set up arm's-length expert committees to fund a variety of activities—universities—that need some independence from government to function effectively.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  I think the answer lies in our notions of what is the journalism that is worth support. I think a lot of what appears on social media is not in that category. Some is, but not always. Journalism, to be independent, has to be actively fact-gathering and actively questioning those in power.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  I'm not an expert on private networks. I won't have a lot to say about that. It's kind of the opposite of journalism to be on a private network.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Really, that was it. The other aspect of the criminal system that is problematic is the production and assistance orders that are routinely made by the RCMP and other police outlets. In summary, there's a lot for this committee to be concerned about, but also lots of progress that you can build on in the work of this committee.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  The free press has always been independent and will always find a way to fund its activities. There are other sources besides public money to support it. In the past, there has been support from political movements, from business leaders and from all areas. At this time, the real challenge economically is the competition from social media.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  I would repeat what I said. The question you're asking would be controversial among journalists. You will hear different views on both sides and you'll see that in the commentary on it right now. As a spokesman for the Canadian Journalists for Free Expression, I have to say that there are times when it's more important for government to step up.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Thank you very much. Good afternoon to the committee. Thank you for inviting me to testify on behalf of CJFE. I am currently the president, although you should know that I'm not a journalist. I'm actually a lawyer. My practice includes representing, defending and supporting the media in Canada.