August 22, 2025
RED FM News Desk
Cultural and broadcasting industry groups are urging the Liberal government to support the Online Streaming Act and the Online News Act. This comes as the Prime Minister’s Office refuses to state whether these bills are part of ongoing trade negotiations with the United States.
Marie-Julie Desrochers, executive director of a coalition representing the cultural sector, stated, “We are aware that the U.S. is exerting pressure on the federal government, and the cultural sector is undoubtedly on high alert.”
Kevin Desjardins, president of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters, which has backed both pieces of legislation, expressed concern over the threats. Both Desrochers and Desjardins are hopeful the government will maintain the bills, noting that the Liberals’ silence is a marked departure from the Trudeau government’s previous stance.
Last week, the U.S. State Department criticized Canada’s Online News Act in a human rights report, following a week after a group of U.S. Republicans urged the Trump administration to pressure Canada to eliminate the Online Streaming Act.
During an unrelated press conference on August 5, Prime Minister Mark Carney hinted that he might be open to repealing the Online News Act. The Prime Minister’s Office has since declined to comment on whether Carney is considering eliminating either bill or if they are a factor in the trade talks with the U.S.
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