August 6, 2021
Peter Julian, Member of Parliament
New Westminster-Burnaby
NDP House Leader | NDP Finance Critic
Dear neighbour,
Thank you for contacting me regarding the changes to the Broadcasting Act. I appreciate you taking the time to write to me. Thank you for your patience in my response. I hope that you and your family are healthy and safe as we come through the pandemic.
Defending the basic principle of freedom of speech deserves our full attention and vigilance. The NDP has always defended this fundamental principle and continues to do so during the work to improve this bill.
We also know that people are increasingly concerned about the power of the web giants, who do not pay their fair share and do not play by the same rules as Canadian companies. Since the law originally came into effect, the CRTC has never regulated online platforms that compete unfairly with our local businesses. As a result of this unfair competition, our cultural businesses have less revenue and the impact of COVID on these pillars of our cultural sovereignty puts thousands of workers in a precarious situation.
The debate around C-10 has undoubtedly raised concerns for Canadians. Throughout the process the priorities of the NDP has been the defense of freedom of expression and to level the playing field between web giants and the Canadian cultural sector.
However, the Trudeau government put forward a flawed bill and failed to manage the issue properly. Faced with criticism, they chose to blame the opposition parties and minimize the concerns of the public. The Liberals have not done what is needed to reassure people, instead they’ve used tactics of dividing and opposing experts instead of working with all stakeholders to find a solution.
The NDP has opted for a constructive approach by adopting amendments to improve the bill and proposing concrete solutions to the crisis created by the Liberal’s mismanagement and the Conservatives’ political games. We have supported a motion asking for an updated Charter review by the Justice Department, in addition to forcing the Ministers of Justice and Heritage to appear at Committee as well as hearing from few other experts. Those additional steps have shown that freedom of expression must be respected by the CRTC.
It is also important to mention that the current Broadcasting Act mentions on three occasions that “This Act shall be construed and applied in a manner that is consistent with the freedom of expression.” (Article 2 (3); Article 35 (2); Article 46 (5)). To ensure we were reassuring the concerns of many Canadians, we have also supported a sub-amendment that was ensuring that for any new regulations they “shall be construed and applied in a manner that is consistent with the freedom of expression enjoyed by users of social media services provided by online undertakings.” The NDP also supported amendments that clarified that the CRTC doesn’t have jurisdiction on users of social media and there are other amendments forthcoming that will reinforce this, but unfortunately, because of the Conservatives’ obstructionism, we are not getting to these important amendments.
Since day one, the goal of this legislation has been to make sure that web giants like YouTube and Netflix are following the same rules as Canadian companies and are contributing to Canadian content from which they profit quite a lot. It never has been about controlling what regular people can post or cannot post and it should never be about this. The NDP has clearly chosen a constructive approach to ensure that both the principles of free speech are defended and that the web giants pay their fair share. However, the Conservatives are engaging in systematic obstruction and the Liberals are also delaying the process of passing the bill by failing to listen to and take seriously the concerns of experts and the public.
To make things worse, the Liberals decided to impose a motion that limits the study of amendments. We voted against that motion because we believe it isn’t a good solution while we’re still studying thirty important amendments. For this reason, the NDP has proposed a motion that would extend the Committee’s work over the summer to ensure that the work is done, that freedom of expression is protected and that the needs of the cultural sector are adequately addressed. While we are confident that the bill does not violate freedom of expression, the NDP will also be proposing that the government refer the final bill to the Supreme Court for its advice. This will guarantee Canadians who have remaining concerns, that their rights are respected.
A lot has changed in the last 30 years since the Broadcasting Act was updated and it is time that we stop multi-billion-dollar corporations making huge profits on the back of our artists. These web giants don’t pay tax in Canada, they don’t contribute to funding for Canadian culture and they don’t adequately compensate artists and musicians for their work. We must fix that now.
The federal NDP’s priority is always to ensure that there is a level playing field between the web giants and Canadian businesses. The NDP will always stand up for freedom of expression and we will ensure that as this bill moves forward, the government comes up with a solid plan to defend it in the context of the new legislation.
Thank you again for taking the time to write to me and for your advocacy on this important issue. Please don’t hesitate to be in touch with my office if you have any other concerns.
My team remains available by email or telephone : 604-775-5707 peter.julian.c1@parl.gc.ca I would like to share with you this resource guide that may help you access useful information and services at this time. The Constituency Office hours for walk-ins and appointments are Tuesdays to Fridays from 10AM to 4PM.
Stay healthy and safe in these challenging times, In solidarity,
Peter Julian, Member of Parliament
New Westminster-Burnaby
NDP House Leader | NDP Finance Critic
New Democratic Party | Nouveau Parti démocratique
I acknowledge that I work on the unceded traditional territory of the Algonquin, Haudenosaunee and Anishinabek peoples.
Je reconnaît que je travaille sur le territoire non-cédé des nations Algonquine, Haudenosaunee et Anishinabek.
New Westminster is located on the unceded and traditional territory of the Halq’eméylem speaking Coast Salish peoples. This includes the nations of the Qayqayt, qʼʷa:n̓ƛʼən̓ (Kwantlen), Katzie, kʷikʷəƛw̓əm (Kwikwetlem), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Stó:lō, sc̓əwaθn məsteyəxʷ (Tsawwassen), and Tsleil-Waututh. Burnaby is located on the ancestral and unceded homelands of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh speaking peoples as well as all Coast Salish peoples.
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(TEL) 613.992.4214 | (CELL) 613.222.4074 | FAX) 613.947.9500 UFCW | TUAC P Help save paper – do you need to print this email? P Économisons le papier – est-il vraiment nécessaire d’imprimer ce courriel?
“My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.”-Jack Layton, 1950-2011 « Mes amis, l’amour est cent fois meilleur que la haine. L’espoir est meilleur que la peur. L’optimisme est meilleur que le désespoir. Alors aimons, gardons espoir et restons optimistes. Et nous changerons le monde. »-Jack Layton, 1950-2011
June 2, 2021
Gord Johns, M.P. Courtenay-Alberni
Dear Mike,
Thank you for contacting us regarding the changes to the Broadcasting Act. Bill C-10 is flawed and is causing too much concern among many Canadians who fear C-10 will infringe on freedom of speech. The NDP has always defended the fundamental principle of free speech and continues to do so as we work to improve this bill. New Democrats want to see a bill that supports and encourages Canadian content, holds web giants accountable and ensures they pay their fair share, and protects the freedoms that people across Canada currently enjoy.
Many of us are increasingly concerned about the power of the web giants. I am alarmed by the fact that they do not play by the same rules as Canadian companies and don’t pay their fair share. The CRTC has never regulated online platforms that compete unfairly with our local businesses. As a result of this unfair competition, our cultural businesses have less revenue and thousands of workers are left in precarious situations. C-10 has the potential to re-establish a level playing field between the web giants and our local companies who contribute to the flourishing of our media and cultural industries and who do abide by the CRTC’s rules.
The NDP is fighting to close loopholes that these large corporations take advantage of. Furthermore, we will be pressing the Liberals to ensure that CRTC regulations are fair while protecting the fundamental principles of free speech. We will always stand up for freedom of expression and we will ensure that this bill moves forward without loopholes classifying individual users of social media services as broadcasters. There are over 100 proposed amendments to Bill C-10. Until there is a final bill in front of the NDP that holds the web giants to account while assuring Canadians of their freedom of speech, we will not commit to support the bill.
Sincerely, Gord Johns, M.P. Courtenay-Alberni
June 2, 2021
Office of Paul Manly
Dear Jerrilyn,
My name is Irene and I am Paul Manly’s Legislative Assistant. Thank you for sharing your letter with Paul. As you may have seen, Paul has been actively involved in putting forward amendments to bill C-10 and he has more amendments still to bring forward to committee. I will pass along your letter to Paul so he is aware of your position.
Best regards,Irene
Irene Brueckner-Irwin (she/her/elle)
Legislative Assistant | Adjointe LégislativeOffice of Paul Manly, M.P. | Bureau de Paul Manly, député
irene.brueckner-irwin.818@parl.gc.ca | t : 613-992-5243 | c : 613-795-4472 I work on unceded Algonquin Anishinaabe territory.Je travail sur le territoire Algonquin anishinaabe non cédé.
May 31, 2021
Jenny Kwan, MP
Dear Jerrilyn, Thanks very much for sending this letter to Jenny’s attention.
Best regards, Lisa
Lisa MacLeod
Member’s Assistant | Adjointe de la députéeOffice of Jenny Kwan, MP | Vancouver EastBureau de Jenny Kwan, Députée | Vancouver-EstNDP | NPD
May 19, 2021
Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage
Good Afternoon Ms. Kirk,
I acknowledge receipt of your letter to the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage on the topic of Bill-C10, An Act to amend the Broadcasting Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts. It will be translated and distributed to committee members.
Kind regards,
Aimée Belmore
Committee Clerk / Greffière de Comité
Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage / Comité permanent du patrimoine canadienHouse of Commons / Chambre des communes
131 Queen Street, Room 6-35 / rue, Queen, pièce 6-35
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6
CHPC@parl.gc.ca
Tel. / Tél. : +1 613-947-6729
May 19, 2021
Todd Doherty Member of Parliament for Cariboo-Prince George
Dear Ms. Schembri,
Thank you for sharing with our office the BC Library Trustees Association’s letter to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, expressing your concerns on the government’s Bill C-10. It has been brought to MP Todd Doherty’s attention.
Social media has rapidly become the platform for this purpose, from cellphone videos of interactions with police to social media posts by survivors of sexual assault and harassment leading to the #MeToo movement. In a society that values freedom of speech and expression, Bill C-10 leaves the door open for a massive abuse of power on the rights of Canadians.
Canada’s Conservatives support creating a level playing field between large foreign streaming services and Canadian broadcasters and championing Canadian arts and culture. A Conservative government would do so without compromising Canadians’ fundamental rights and freedoms. As such, Conservatives are calling on Justin Trudeau to withdraw Bill C-10. If this is not done, a Conservative government will stand up for Canadians and repeal this deeply flawed legislation.
We would also like to share with you the statement issued by Conservative MPs Rachael Harder and Alain Rayes, calling on the Liberals to ensure the protection of Canadians online.
Regards,
Mohan Samarasinghe
Executive Assistant Office of Todd Doherty Member of Parliament for Cariboo-Prince George Special Advisor to the Leader on Mental Health and Wellness Office: (613) 995-6704 Cell: (613) 797-4814 E-mail : Todd.Doherty@parl.gc.ca
May 19, 2021
Cathy McLeod, MPKamloops-Thompson-Cariboo
Dear Jerrilyn,
Thank you for your letter. Unfortunately the Bloc Quebecois have agreed to support the Liberals on Bill C-10. As a result, it will be very tough to stop it. Having said that, I would expect that there would be many court challenges.
While the NDP and the Bloc may look the other way on the freedom of expression, we will not. If elected, a Conservative government will stand up for Canadians and repeal this deeply flawed legislation.
Stay safe,
Cathy McLeod, MPKamloops-Thompson-Cariboo
May 19, 2021
Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Member of Parliament for South Surrey-White Rock
Dear Mike and Board Members,
On behalf of Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Member of Parliament for South Surrey-White Rock, I would like to acknowledge receipt of your e-mail and thank you for taking the time to share your concerns with her on this important issue.
Please be assured that your correspondence has been brought to Kerry-Lynne’s attention and that your views and suggestions are being carefully considered. In order to ease communication, it would be greatly appreciated if you could send me your residential address, telephone, and mobile number. If you have recently confirmed your contact information for us, you can ignore this request.
Conservatives support creating a level playing field between large foreign streaming services and Canadian broadcasters while protecting the individual rights and freedoms of Canadians. Unfortunately, what the Liberals have proposed is a clear attack on those rights and freedoms.
We are concerned that this legislation gives sweeping power to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to regulate the internet, including individual users, with no clear guidelines for how that power will be used.
In committee, the Liberals chose to remove the clause that would have protected content posted by individuals. This will allow your content to be regulated and removed by CRTC without just cause.
In MP Findlay’s opinion, this is a clear violation of our freedom of expression rights under the Charter. She recently spoke in the House on this issue. You can view that here. She and her Conservative colleagues will continue to stand up for the freedoms of Canadians who post their content online and oppose C-10 at every stage of the legislative process.
Thank you again for contacting this office.
Sincerely,
Francesca Desaulniers
Executive Assistant
May 19, 2021
Office of Rob Morrison, Member of Parliament
Kootenay Columbia
Good afternoon Mike,
Thank you for reaching out with your concern for Bill C-10.
Bill C-10, an Act to amend the Broadcasting Act is currently being debated and amended in the House Committee on Canadian Heritage. On April 23rd, 2021, the government voted against the section of their own Bill that would have at least partially exempted individual users who upload videos to social media sites like YouTube and Facebook from CRTC regulation under the Bill. This is another unacceptable attempt by the government to target the freedoms of individual internet users in Canada. Please see the full Bill here: https://parl.ca/DocumentViewer/en/43-2/bill/C-10/first-reading.
MP Morrison does support creating a level playing field between large foreign streaming services and Canadian broadcasters. However, he believes strongly that we must ensure the protection of the individual rights and freedoms of Canadians. In its current form, MP Morrison will not vote for this Bill.
Warm regards,
| Sarah Turk Constituency Assistant Office of Rob Morrison, Member of Parliament Kootenay Columbia National Security and Intelligence Committee 800C Baker St., Cranbrook, BC V1C 1A2 Tel: (250) 417-2250 Toll Free: (800) 668-5522 E-mail: sarah.turk@parl.gc.ca |
May 21, 2021
Elizabeth May, MP
Thank you for sharing your concerns about Bill C-10.
Bill C-10 was introduced by the government to modernize the Broadcasting Act. Among other updates, it would bring online broadcasting platforms, such as Netflix, under the same broadcasting rules as traditional broadcasters.
An update to the Broadcasting Act is long overdue, but Bill C-10 is flawed. The government has not made it clear enough to Canadians that their charter rights to freedom of speech will be upheld.
I share many of the concerns that have been raised about the bill. My fellow Green MP Paul Manly (Nanaimo – Ladysmith) brought forward 27 amendments to try to fix the issues with the bill. To-date, over 120 amendments have been brought forward from all political parties.
I was surprised that the Canadian Heritage Committee voted to remove clause 3 from the bill, which would have excluded the content posted on social media by Canadians from potential regulation. There were no objections to removing this clause and none of the political parties with voting seats on the committee requested a recorded vote to put any opposition on record.
The Green Party does not have a voting seat at committee. However, Paul Manly brought forward an amendment that would have fixed the issue by clarifying that social media platforms should be regulated as broadcasters when they are acting like broadcasters (for example, if YouTube was producing its own content for Canadians to watch, the way Netflix does). His amendment would not have opened up any possibility of regulating social media users or the content they upload. Unfortunately, the Liberal, Conservative, and Bloc MPs voted his amendment down.
It’s important to note that Bill C-10 has not been finalized. There are still dozens of amendments to consider, and the bill could still change. The Canadian Heritage Committee is only halfway through its consideration of the bill and more amendments can be brought forward at the next stage of the legislative process.
Thanks again for writing.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth May, O.C.
Member of Parliament
Saanich – Gulf Islands
Caucus Parliamentary Leader