As big tech aims to silence Canadian news media in retaliation for Bill C-18, FRIENDS is stepping in to fill the void. Check back on a regular basis, as we amplify Canadian voices and Canadian stories that need to be heard.
As misinformation and disinformation spread across social media, it’s more important than ever to distinguish between strong, credible journalism and cynical fabrications designed to mislead and provoke us. But as we all know, sometimes it’s not as easy as it looks. In fact, studies show that 9 in 10 Canadians have fallen for fake news at some point in their lives.
With that in mind, here are a few resources to help you seek out trustworthy information online.
OTTAWA — Legislation to tackle online hate remains an “absolute priority,” the federal justice minister said Tuesday as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau underscored the need for Canadians to respect each other’s freedom of expression.
Read articleOttawa’s fall economic statement includes a $129-million boost for eligible news organizations through an increase to a tax credit allowing them to claim up to $29,750 per journalist.
Read articlePresident and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada Catherine Tait recently told MPs in committee that over the last 30 years, the network ‘has not had a real increase in its budget, real dollars aside. We are flat.’
Read articleIt’s important to put public broadcasting and local news media on a path to long-term sustainability for future generations of Canadians, says Marla Boltman, executive director of FRIENDS.
Read articleHeritage Minister Pascale St-Onge says there is no time for delay in enacting the Online Streaming Act, saying that Canada’s broadcasting system, and the people working in it, need help right away.
Read articleWashingtonCNN — Meta’s top executives, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg, ignored warnings for years about harms to teens on its platforms such as Instagram, a company whistleblower told a Senate subcommittee on Tuesday.
Read article(CNN) — Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has personally and repeatedly thwarted initiatives meant to improve the well-being of teens on Facebook and Instagram, at times directly overruling some of his most senior lieutenants, according to internal communications made public as part of an ongoing lawsuit against the company.
Read articleLetters to Canada’s prime minister detail collateral damage in fight over news sharing.
Read articleTVA Group’s announcement that it is laying off 547 employees is “shocking” news, and “time is against us,” said Canadian Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge, while expressing hope that her government’s modernization of legislation will reverse the current trend.
Read articleThe fundamental weakness in Canada’s Online Streaming Act will be exposed for all to see on Nov. 20, when the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) comes face-to-face with American streaming companies.
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