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Decentralized Democracy

House Hansard - 71

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
May 13, 2022 10:00AM
Context: House Hansard - 71 - May/13/22
Mr. John Nater (Perth—Wellington, CPC)
  • May/13/22 1:28:05 p.m.
  • Watch
  • Re: Bill C-18 
Mr. Speaker, toward the end of the comments by the member for Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, he talked a bit about the ability of news organizations to band together and collectively bargain. Certainly, that is a part included in the bill, as well as changes to the Competition Act that would allow that. We have heard commentary coming out of the Australian model from Australian organizations about small and often local organizations, such as local newspapers, that have been left out. They have not been able to negotiate deals. They are the ones I believe many are concerned about having the opportunity to do so. It was a recent Toronto Star article that highlighted the fact that small media enterprises would not be able to negotiate these deals. I would like to hear the member's comments on the ability of small organizations to benefit from this.
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Context: House Hansard - 71 - May/13/22
Mr. Alexandre Boulerice
  • May/13/22 1:28:57 p.m.
  • Watch
  • Re: Bill C-18 
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his extremely important question. There are some consolidated media groups that have broad enough shoulders and deep enough pockets. I think they will be able to negotiate on their own with the web giants. That is why the possibility of having a clear process for collective bargaining is extremely important. I think that all these small media outlets, such as regional or local radio stations and small weekly newspapers, have to band together. My advice is that they should not try to go it alone, because they will get crushed. Collective bargaining needs to be an option, and this bill paves the way for that possibility. They need to band together, join forces, find allies and negotiate collectively. If not, they will face a brutal fight, and we all know who will win in the end.
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