Canadian authorities expect Google to make serious investments
The parties are still agreeing on the Online News Act.
Canadian Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge has issued a statement on the much-talked-about Online News Act. She said that the authorities have found a common language with Google, and therefore a way of cooperation that suits both sides.
A reminder of the law
In early 2023, Canada's Online News Act was introduced to the public. It suggests that media giants like Google or Meta should pay Canadian content creation companies to host content on their platforms. In response, international corporations began blocking news content in Canada. The law has met with a highly controversial reaction among the country's residents, but Prime Minister Justin Trudeau continues to advocate for its importance and benefits.
Terms of agreement
On Nov. 29, St-Onge revealed that the government has agreed with Google for an annual investment of CA$ 100 million. The investment is also subject to indexation due to inflation.
The funds will be allocated to a wide range of news organizations across the country, including independents, as well as companies from indigenous and minority communities that speak official languages. Google will have the option to allocate its money based on the number of journalists.
In addition, Google will continue to provide Canadian news companies with its programs: training, business development tools and resources, and support for non-profit journalism projects. Google officials assured that Canadian news organizations will be treated the same as their counterparts in other countries.
"Access to news helps Canadians fully benefit and participate in democratic society. With newsrooms cutting positions or closing entirely, the health of the Canadian news industry has never been more at risk. Our government has remained confident all along that this Act was a viable, equitable framework for news organizations and digital platforms."
The law will not go into full effect until December 1, 2023. Until then, the agency responsible for it promises to share more detailed information.
