Hon. Andrew Cardozo: My question to the Government Representative in the Senate will be on key aspects of news media. Last week, the cabinet directed the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, or CRTC, to scrap its directive that streamers should contribute 15% of their Canadian revenues to support Canadian broadcasting. I’m especially concerned about the news media.

Would the government, instead, consider spending 15% of its advertising budget on Canadian news rather than the current amount of less than 5%, something that would not cost the treasury any more money, or would they consider any other means of supporting Canadian news media?

Hon. Pierre Moreau (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you, Senator Cardozo. The objective of the Online Streaming Act remains clear: ensuring that Canadian stories, creators and cultural industries continue to thrive in a rapidly changing media environment.

The government is committed to ensuring that the Online Streaming Act strikes a balance between supporting Canadian culture, maintaining affordability for consumers and ensuring flexibility for broadcasters and streaming services.

The government will be issuing a new policy directive to the CRTC, asking them to determine a rate that is more reflective of current pressures on the sector.

The government is also making a $600-million investment that will provide immediate relief and stability for Canadian creators and cultural industries.