16.2°C Vancouver

Feb 23, 2023 7:34 PM - The Canadian Press

Media advocate calls Google's move to block news content disrespectful to Canadians

Share On
media-advocate-calls-googles-move-to-block-news-content-disrespectful-to-canadians
Google confirmed on Wednesday that it's blocking less than four per cent of Canadian users from viewing news content in a five-week test run of a potential response to the Liberal government's online news bill.

Advocates for the print and digital media industry say Google is disrespecting Canadian readers by temporarily blocking news to some of its users.

News Media Canada president Paul Deegan says the action is unbecoming of the leading global company.

Google confirmed on Wednesday that it's blocking less than four per cent of Canadian users from viewing news content in a five-week test run of a potential response to the Liberal government's online news bill.

Bill C-18 would require digital giants such as Google and Meta, which owns Facebook, to negotiate deals to compensate Canadian media companies for displaying or providing links to their news content.

FRIENDS, formerly known as Friends of Canadian Broadcasting, says the move by Google is about greed.

Its executive director Marla Boltman says Google is pursuing money at all costs, rather than co-operating with lawmakers around the world to support and sustain the free press and democracy.

Latest news

CanadaMay 01, 2026

Canada reduces refugee health coverage, introduces co-payments for prescriptions and supplementary care

Cuts to federally funded health coverage for refugees and asylum claimants took effect Friday, introducing new out-of-pocket costs for medications and certain health services. According to federal program changes to the Interim Federal Health Program, refugees will now be required to pay $4 per prescription and cover 30 per cent of the cost for supplementary health products and services. These include mental health counselling, dental care, vision care, medical devices and mobility aids such as wheelchairs. Until now, the program provided full health coverage for eligible refugees until they q
smith-welcomes-u-s-approval-of-bridger-pipeline-expansion-tied-to-keystone-xl-revival
AlbertaMay 01, 2026

Smith welcomes U.S. approval of Bridger pipeline expansion tied to Keystone XL revival

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says a newly approved cross-border pipeline expansion could significantly increase the flow of Alberta crude to the United States, following a presidential permit signed by U.S. President Donald Trump. According to a statement from Smith’s office, the permit authorizes the Bridger Pipeline expansion, described as a partial revival of the previously cancelled Keystone XL project. The expansion is part of a joint venture between Calgary-based South Bow and U.S.-based Bridger. Smith said the project could transport more than 500,000 barrels of Alberta oil per day
eby-says-mls-talks-on-whitecaps-constructive-as-deleted-post-stirs-controversy
BCApr 30, 2026

Eby says MLS talks on Whitecaps 'constructive' as deleted post stirs controversy

B.C. Premier David Eby said talks with Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber on the Vancouver Whitecaps' future were ``constructive,'' as relocation concerns grow. Garber is in Vancouver for FIFA Congress events and met with Eby on Wednesday, following reports that the league has discussed relocating the club, with Las Vegas a leading option. Eby released a video Wednesday night saying the province is ``at the table fighting hard'' to keep the team in Vancouver, calling its loss ``not an option.'' David Eby on X:Premier David Eby on X (screengrab)Hours later, a now-deleted post from Garb
carney-appoints-jonathan-wilkinson-as-canadas-next-ambassador-to-the-european-union
CanadaApr 30, 2026

Carney appoints Jonathan Wilkinson as Canada’s next ambassador to the European Union

Prime Minister Mark Carney has appointed Member of Parliament and former cabinet minister Jonathan Wilkinson as Canada’s next ambassador to the European Union, according to a news release from the Prime Minister’s Office. Wilkinson, who represents North Vancouver–Capilano, previously served in senior cabinet roles under former prime minister Justin Trudeau, including minister of natural resources and minister of environment and climate change. The Prime Minister’s Office said Wilkinson brings “proven experience, judgment and leadership” to the role as Canada seeks to strengthen its
carney-to-visit-saudi-arabia-amid-renewed-canada-gulf-relations
CanadaApr 30, 2026

Carney to visit Saudi Arabia amid renewed Canada–Gulf relations

Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to visit Saudi Arabia in the coming period, in what would be the first trip by a Canadian prime minister to the kingdom in at least two decades. According to government officials, the visit follows an invitation from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and comes after recent efforts by both countries to rebuild diplomatic ties that were strained for several years. The dispute dates back to 2018, when the former Trudeau government criticized Saudi Arabia’s justice system and raised concerns about the arrest of women’s rights activists. In response, Saudi

Related News