Canadian Heritage

This committee meeting was mainly about the challenges faced by creative and performance spaces across Canada, with a significant portion of the meeting also spent on procedural issues and a debate about a motion regarding the CBC. The committee heard from several witnesses about the importance of these spaces for artists and communities, and the difficulties they face in maintaining and funding them. Key speakers included Ryan Filsinger from Iron Fox Games, who discussed the video game industry's unique creative spaces and the impact of international competition and AI. He highlighted the need for programs like the video game labour rebate in P.E.I. and increased funding from the Canada Music Fund for digital arts. Christy Morin from Arts on the Ave Edmonton Society shared an inspiring story of revitalizing a neighbourhood through arts festivals and a community coffeehouse, emphasizing the role of partnerships and volunteers. She also raised concerns about the definition of "professional artist" and the need for long-term operational funding for cultural spaces. Morgan Simms from Glasgow Square Theatre spoke about the vital role of rural municipal theatres as cultural anchors and economic drivers, advocating for wider federal support for such venues and highlighting initiatives to ensure community access. Jenny Thibault from the Society for Arts and Technology (SAT) stressed that cultural spaces are essential infrastructures for artists to experiment and create, noting that rising operating costs often force organizations to cut programming. Alexandre Curzi from the Union des artistes (UDA) spoke about the direct impact of crumbling infrastructure on artists' working conditions, leading to fewer roles, lower fees, and a weakened social safety net. He also discussed the need for stable funding for cultural infrastructure and improved social safety nets for artists, including employment insurance and retirement plans. Several committee members asked questions. Rachael Thomas (Conservative) praised Mr. Filsinger's success and inquired about his game's export strategy. Fares Al Soud (Liberal) asked about the importance of regional venues and festivals for artists and local economies. Martin Champoux (Bloc Québécois) questioned Mr. Curzi on artists' tax status, the impact of digital technology, and the lack of predictable funding. Kerry Diotte (Conservative) commended Ms. Morin on her community revitalization efforts. Alana Hirtle (Liberal) asked Mr. Simms about Glasgow Square Theatre's community assistance programs and its economic impact. Tatiana Auguste (Liberal) and Zoe Royer (Liberal) further explored the community impact of arts organizations and festivals. No specific decisions were made regarding the study on creative spaces, but the committee members acknowledged the importance of the issues raised. The meeting was interrupted by a motion from Rachael Thomas (Conservative) to investigate the CBC regarding a controversial production, which led to a procedural vote and the motion being adjourned. The Chair invited witnesses to submit further written testimony to enrich the study.

The Canadian Heritage committee met to continue its study on the state of creative and performance spaces across Canada, hearing from various artists and organizations about their challenges and opportunities. Several speakers highlighted the financial struggles faced by cultural spaces. André Myette from the Marigold Cultural Centre in Nova Scotia spoke about provincial funding cuts and the difficulty of keeping ticket prices low while covering rising costs. Frédéric Messier from RIDEAU, representing many performance venues in Quebec, pointed out that operating costs have gone up much faster than inflation, forcing venues to cut back on programming. Kelly Straughan from Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton shared how expensive building repairs, like a $600,000 roof fix, take money away from artistic programs. Jonathan Bunce from Wavelength Music Arts Projects explained that many small music venues are treated as regular businesses, not cultural hubs, making it hard for them to survive rising rents and expenses. Christina Santiago Keenan from Secret City Studio presented an innovative approach, using Canadian heritage sites for immersive experiences like escape rooms. She suggested updating funding to support these participatory arts, investing in site infrastructure, and creating partnerships. S.E. Grummett from So.Glad Arts, a queer theatre artist, shared their success in touring internationally thanks to funding, showing how Canadian art can be diverse and reach global audiences. They emphasized that early funding helps artists take risks and build careers, even if it doesn't immediately turn a profit. The witnesses offered several ideas for the future. They asked for more federal funding for programs that support arts presentation and cultural infrastructure, including maintenance and accessibility. Some suggested a labor tax credit for live performing arts, similar to those for film and TV. They also called for recognizing small, grassroots venues as essential cultural infrastructure and developing a national plan to ensure these spaces remain affordable and community-focused. The committee approved a budget for its study, and committee members encouraged witnesses to submit more detailed written statements to help with their final report.

The Canadian Heritage committee met to start a new study about the state of creative and performance spaces across Canada. Before diving into the main topic, the committee briefly discussed plans for future reports on social media and media studies. Key speakers shared their views on the importance and challenges facing performance spaces. Erin Benjamin, who used to lead the Canadian Live Music Association, explained how vital live music, especially smaller venues, is for Canada's economy and culture. She pointed out problems like rising costs and big companies taking over, asking for government help to support these spaces. Jennifer Brewin from Globe Theatre in Regina highlighted how theatres bring life to communities, create jobs, and help downtown areas. She also stressed the need for safe places for new artists and the good economic return from investing in culture. She later clarified a misunderstanding about a play for high school students, explaining it was satire and that misinformation led to threats against artists. Other speakers brought up serious concerns. Joel Chipkar and Joel Etienne from the Falun Dafa Association of Canada told the committee that the Chinese Communist Party is trying to stop Shen Yun dance shows in Canada through threats and pressure on venues. They asked the government to step in to protect artistic freedom. Patrick Kearney, representing regional festivals, and Jon Weisz, representing independent music venues in Quebec, warned about the growing power of large American companies like Live Nation and Ticketmaster. They said this control hurts Canada's culture, makes ticket prices too high, and makes it harder for smaller festivals and venues to survive. They suggested a small fee on big concert tickets to help fund independent spaces. Committee members asked questions about how to support new artists, save local performance spaces, and deal with foreign interference and big company control. One committee member proposed a motion to clearly speak out against the Chinese Communist Party's attempts to silence artists and free speech in Canada. However, the committee decided to put off discussing this motion for a later time, without setting a specific date. The meeting ended with the Chair thanking the witnesses and inviting them to submit more information for the study.

The Canadian Heritage Committee met to discuss the proposed spending for 2026-27 for various arts, culture, and heritage organizations. The meeting started with a statement from the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, Marc Miller, who highlighted the government's commitment to supporting Canadian culture, promoting official languages, and combating racism and hate. He mentioned investments in arts and culture, sports, and initiatives to support communities targeted by discrimination. The proposed budget included funds for local journalism, audiovisual sectors, and the Canada Strong pass, which helps families visit museums and historic sites. During the meeting, committee members questioned the minister and later department officials on various topics. Andrew Lawton (Conservative) raised concerns about the Canadian Museum for Human Rights' campaign against parental rights and questioned the success metrics for the Creative Export Canada program. He also criticized the government's handling of the proposed law C-18 and its impact on local media outlets. Fares Al Soud (Liberal) inquired about the minister's priorities and the importance of fostering talent in the country. Martin Champoux (Bloc Québécois) pressed the minister on the journalism labor tax credit and the independent local news fund. Other committee members asked about government advertising spending, funding for CBC/Radio-Canada, and support for indigenous arts and languages. The discussion also touched on the challenges posed by tech giants and the need to ensure they contribute to the Canadian ecosystem. The committee also discussed the impact of AI on the creative industry and the importance of protecting intellectual property and copyright. Later in the meeting, committee members questioned department officials on the impact of Bill C-18 on small media outlets, the process for retrieving funds from organizations that have misused them, and the department's spending on FIFA. They also discussed the importance of supporting indigenous languages and combating misinformation online. The committee approved the proposed spending for the various organizations under consideration.

The Canadian Heritage Committee met to discuss the state of journalism and media in Canada. Witnesses from various media organizations, including CPAC, the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB), and the National Campus and Community Radio Association (NCRA), shared their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. A representative from the Tafsik Organization spoke about the CBC and anti-Semitism. Committee members questioned the witnesses about funding models, the role of government support, and the impact of digital platforms on traditional media. Christa Dickenson from CPAC highlighted the financial strain her organization is under due to changing viewing habits and the erosion of traditional revenue streams. She proposed a services of exceptional importance fund to support public interest services like CPAC. Kevin Desjardins from the CAB emphasized the importance of commercial broadcasters in providing trusted local journalism and called for emergency support for local television stations, an extension of the journalism labor tax credit to broadcasters, and a larger share of the government's advertising budget for Canadian media companies. Barry Rooke from the NCRA advocated for a community radio initiative to provide stable funding for campus and community radio stations. Amir Epstein from the Tafsik Organization criticized the CBC for allegedly amplifying anti-Semitic narratives and failing to provide balanced coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Jeff Thiessen from the Miracle Channel Association focused on the financial pressures facing independent local broadcasters and the need for emergency funding. During the meeting, a motion was introduced to study the distribution, impact, and efficiency of Department of Heritage funding, as well as a motion to study the impact of the Alto High Speed Rail project on natural, cultural, and historical sites. However, debate on both motions was adjourned. The committee agreed to hold a subcommittee meeting to discuss future business.

The Canadian Heritage Committee met to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing journalism and media sectors in Canada. Witnesses from CBC/Radio-Canada, Local Independent Television Stations (LITS), Torstar Corporation, and The Hub shared their perspectives. A key theme was the dominance of foreign tech giants in the digital advertising market and its impact on Canadian media. The witnesses proposed solutions such as government support for local journalism, changes to tax policies, and regulations to address the power of big tech companies. Marie-Philippe Bouchard from CBC/Radio-Canada highlighted the public broadcaster's role in supporting the Canadian media ecosystem through content sharing, journalist training, and advocacy. She emphasized CBC/Radio-Canada's commitment to proximity, digital agility, and bringing people together. Calvin Millar and Rod Schween from LITS spoke about the financial struggles of independent broadcasters due to the shift of advertising revenue to foreign platforms. They asked for emergency funding and changes to tax credits to help local stations survive. Angus Frame from Torstar Corporation discussed the challenges posed by big tech monopolies, particularly Google, and the need for regulations to protect journalism. He suggested the government should prioritize local media in its advertising spending. Rudyard Griffiths from The Hub argued that government subsidies to media outlets can undermine public trust and stifle innovation. He proposed reforms to the subsidy model to reward audience growth and ensure transparency. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various issues, including the CBC's role in local markets, the impact of government funding on media independence, and the use of artificial intelligence in newsrooms. There was discussion about the need to balance government support with editorial independence and to ensure a diverse and vibrant media landscape in Canada. The committee did not make any specific decisions, but the discussion will inform its final report on the state of journalism and media sectors. The committee explored potential next steps, including further investigation into the practices of big tech companies and consideration of policy changes to support local journalism and promote a healthy media ecosystem.

The Canadian Heritage Committee met to discuss the state of journalism and media in Canada. Media company representatives from Bell Media, Cogeco Media, Gonez Media, Groupe Radio Simard, and Tri-Cities Community Television shared their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. A key theme was the shift of advertising revenue to foreign digital platforms, creating financial strain for Canadian media outlets. Several speakers highlighted the importance of local news in connecting communities and ensuring government accountability. Richard Gray and Jean-Philippe Pineault from Bell Media talked about the financial losses their news operations face despite strong audience numbers. They suggested extending the Canadian journalism labor tax credit to broadcast news and leveling the regulatory playing field between Canadian broadcasters and global digital platforms. Caroline Jamet of Cogeco Media emphasized the role of French-language commercial radio in society and called for government action to address the dominance of foreign giants. She proposed tax credits for local advertising purchases and the inclusion of the radio industry in the journalism labor tax credit. Brandon Gonez, CEO of Gonez Media, argued that policy hasn't kept pace with how Canadians consume media. He recommended a digital media innovation incentive, advertiser incentives for Canadian digital media, and including digital-native operators in policy development. Martin Simard of Groupe Radio Simard highlighted the challenges facing French-language commercial radio stations, especially in smaller markets. Cathy Cena, Executive Director of Tri-Cities Community Television, emphasized the importance of community media in giving people a platform to share their stories. Committee members discussed the need to support local journalism and address the issue of "media deserts," where communities lack access to reliable local news. There was also discussion about Bill C-18 and its impact on digital media companies. Several committee members expressed concern about the government's advertising spending, with some suggesting that more should be directed towards Canadian media outlets. The committee agreed to request further clarification from Minister Miller regarding his upcoming appearance before the committee.

The Canadian Heritage Committee met to discuss the state of journalism and media in Canada. Witnesses from various media organizations and institutions shared their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Key topics included the financial struggles of independent journalists, the impact of tech giants like Meta and Google, the role of government funding, and the importance of maintaining journalistic standards in the digital age. Léa Villalba and Samuel Lamoureux from l'Association des journalistes indépendants du Québec (AJIQ) highlighted the precarious working conditions of freelance journalists, including low pay, late payments, and exclusion from government funding programs. They proposed solutions such as adjusting the criteria for distributing Google's $100 million to include freelancers and establishing a legislated fee schedule. Jane Robertson, President of the Canadian Media Guild, emphasized the need for job security, fair wages, and protections against the misuse of artificial intelligence. She also called for increased funding for CBC/Radio-Canada and stronger protections for journalists facing online harassment. Éric-Pierre Champagne and Stéphanie Mac Farlane from the Fédération professionnelle des journalistes du Québec (FPJQ) stressed the importance of quality journalism in a democratic society and the broken media business model. They urged the government to address the imbalance caused by foreign tech giants and to adapt copyright laws to protect journalistic content from being exploited by AI. Sheila Gunn Reid, President of the Independent Press Gallery of Canada, argued that independent journalists are being unfairly excluded from government and public spaces due to their lack of government funding. Peter Menzies from the Macdonald-Laurier Institute suggested phasing out direct subsidies and implementing policies that encourage news consumption, such as enhanced subscription tax credits. During the meeting, committee members questioned the witnesses on various issues, including media ownership, bias in government-funded media, and the role of influencers. The committee also discussed potential reforms to support the media sector, such as adjusting tax credits for advertising costs and establishing a national news industry policy. The committee agreed to invite Commissioner Lise Maisonneuve and the Secretary of State for Sport to a future meeting to analyze the conclusions of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission report. However, a motion to invite various ministers and officials to discuss Canada's commitments to FIFA for the 2026 World Cup was defeated.

The Canadian Heritage Committee met to discuss the state of journalism and media in Canada. Witnesses from various media organizations shared their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. They talked about the decline of local news, the impact of digital platforms, and the importance of government support. Committee members discussed ways to help local, independent journalism thrive, including encouraging investment and re-evaluating government advertising spending. They also talked about the Canadian Journalism Collective (CJC) and its role in distributing funds from Google to eligible news organizations. Sarah Spring, from the CJC, explained how the organization ensures equitable distribution of funds to a diverse range of news outlets. Murray Wood from Rawlco Radio talked about the importance of local radio and how it serves the community. Benoit Chartier and Sylvain Poisson from Hebdos Québec talked about the challenges faced by French-language weekly newspapers, including unfair rates from Canada Post and low levels of government advertising. Robert Ranger and Sébastien Côté from RNC Media talked about the importance of local television news and the need for government support to protect Canadians' access to credible information. Cindy Simard and Pierre Harvey from Télé Inter-Rives talked about the challenges faced by independent television stations and the need for financial support from the government.

The Canadian Heritage Committee met to discuss and approve two proposed laws that would recognize Arab and Ukrainian heritage months in Canada. The first part of the meeting focused on the proposed law for Arab Heritage Month, sponsored by MP Ahmed Hussen. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of Arab Canadians and promoting education about their culture and history. Committee members discussed how this recognition could foster social cohesion and reduce misconceptions about the Arab community. The committee quickly agreed to pass the proposed law. The second part of the meeting addressed the proposed law for Ukrainian Heritage Month, sponsored by MP Yvan Baker and Senator Stanley Kutcher. MP Baker highlighted the long history of Ukrainian immigration to Canada and the importance of supporting Ukraine, especially during the ongoing conflict with Russia. Senator Kutcher joined remotely from a hospital clinic to express his strong support for the proposed law, emphasizing its symbolic value in giving hope to Ukrainian Canadians and those in Ukraine. Committee members shared stories of Ukrainian contributions to Canada and the importance of unity with the Ukrainian people. This proposed law also passed quickly. Both proposed laws received unanimous support from the committee members. The committee agreed to report the proposed laws to the House of Commons as soon as possible after the Easter break. The committee briefly went into a private session to discuss future meeting schedules and witness lists for upcoming studies.

The Canadian Heritage Committee met to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing journalism and media in Canada. Witnesses from various media organizations, including Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN), Accessible Media Inc. (AMI), and the Canadian Ethnic Media Association (CEMA), shared their perspectives on the current state of the industry. A professor from Université de Sherbrooke also spoke about the importance of media as a public good and the rise of disinformation. Committee members explored issues such as funding models, the impact of digital platforms, and the need for diverse voices in media. They also discussed the role of government in supporting the media sector while maintaining journalistic independence. Marie-Eve Carignan, a professor at Université de Sherbrooke, emphasized the importance of funding journalism, especially local and Indigenous media, and highlighted the need for media accountability and media literacy. Cheryl McKenzie and Mike Omelus from APTN discussed the challenges of reaching audiences in the digital age and proposed a services of exceptional importance fund to support broadcasters providing essential public value. David Errington from AMI spoke about the importance of accessible media for people with disabilities and the need for sustainable funding. Kiumars Rezvanifar and Madeline Ziniak from CEMA raised concerns about the lack of dedicated federal support for independent multilingual community television producers. Committee members questioned the witnesses on a range of issues, including the impact of foreign influence on ethnic media, the challenges of measuring audience reach in rural and remote areas, and the role of artificial intelligence in journalism. They also discussed the need for greater diversity and representation in media, as well as the importance of maintaining journalistic standards in the face of disinformation and online hate. The committee explored the balance between government support and journalistic independence, and the need for sustainable funding models for media organizations. The committee agreed that the media landscape is facing significant challenges, including declining revenues, the rise of digital platforms, and the spread of disinformation. They recognized the importance of supporting diverse voices in media and ensuring that all Canadians have access to accurate and reliable information. The committee members expressed interest in exploring potential solutions, such as an independent agency to distribute funds and the creation of a services of exceptional importance fund. They also discussed the need for greater media literacy and accountability. The committee decided to add at least one more meeting to this study to hear from additional witnesses. They encouraged witnesses to submit any additional information or documents that may be relevant to the study.

The Canadian Heritage Committee met to discuss the state of journalism and media in Canada. Witnesses included a former journalist, representatives from community radio, a non-profit news co-op, media advocacy groups, an organization focused on fair Israel coverage, and a news media association. The discussion covered challenges like declining ad revenue, the impact of digital platforms, and concerns about bias in media coverage. Several witnesses spoke about the importance of local journalism and the need for government support to ensure its survival. A former CBC journalist spoke about alleged censorship and a toxic work environment at the public broadcaster. An organization focused on fair Israel coverage alleged bias at the CBC and linked it to antisemitism.

The Canadian Heritage Committee met to discuss funding for various cultural institutions and programs. The Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, Marc Miller, presented supplementary estimates (B) for 2025-26, which included additional funding of $120.7 million for Canadian Heritage. This funding aims to strengthen cultural institutions, support Canadian creators and producers, and promote diversity and gender equality in sports. The Minister emphasized the importance of arts and culture in protecting Canadian identity and democratic values. Committee members questioned the Minister on topics ranging from CBC's role in fostering social cohesion to the allocation of funds to regional media outlets. Rachael Thomas (Conservative) questioned Minister Miller about his definition of "social cohesion" and raised concerns about media independence, citing a statement from the Canadian Media Producers Association. Minister Miller defended the CBC's independence and clarified that the statement came from producers, not journalists. Fares Al Soud (Liberal) asked about the Minister's priorities for Canadian Heritage and how the supplementary estimates reflect those priorities. Minister Miller highlighted the importance of supporting the arts and culture sector and ensuring access to truthful information. Martin Champoux (Bloc Québécois) questioned the Minister about Canada's position on a UNESCO protocol to protect cultural industries in the digital age. He also raised concerns about digital companies' contributions to the cultural ecosystem. Kevin Waugh (Conservative) inquired about missing indigenous art and job cuts at the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum. Zoe Royer (Liberal) discussed the sustainability of community and ethnic television and the importance of CPAC for parliamentary transparency. Committee members also discussed the future of the creative export program, the impact of AI on the cultural sector, and funding for smaller communities. The committee requested more information on the review of the Anti-Hate Network and funding for mid-sized cities. The committee agreed to recirculate the Minister's response about the Anti-Hate Network from November. The committee adjourned after discussing Canada Day funding, cultural infrastructure, and the impact of Bill C-15 on the Réseau BIBLIO du Québec.