Skip to Main content

7.59°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Sports Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

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

canadas-annual-inflation-rate-rises-to-3-1-in-september

CanadaOct 19, 2026

Canada’s Annual Inflation Rate Rises to 3.1% in September

Canada’s annual inflation rate rose to 3.1 per cent in September, slightly exceeding the Bank of Canada’s upper target limit of 3 per cent. Inflation had remained steady at 3 per cent in August. According to a report released by Statistics Canada on Monday, higher gasoline and diesel prices were the main contributors to the increase in inflation last month. Food prices also rose, although the pace of growth was slower than in the previous month. Statistics Canada reported that grocery prices increased by 1.7 per cent year over year in September, down from 2.8 per cent in August. This marke

AlbertaOct 19, 2026

Alberta Votes in Historic Referendum on Separation from Canada

Albertans are voting today in a historic referendum that will determine whether the province should begin a legal process and formal voting on separating from Canada in the future. Around 1.3 million Albertans have already cast their ballots through mail-in voting or advance polls. Premier Danielle Smith has voted in favour of Alberta remaining part of Canada. The ballot paper contains 10 questions. Nine relate to immigration, constitutional issues and demands for greater provincial powers from the federal government, while the 10th concerns separation from Canada. Last week, Prime Minister Ma

four-canadian-soldiers-killed-in-explosion-at-alberta-military-training-base

FeaturedOct 19, 2026

Four Canadian Soldiers Killed in Explosion at Alberta Military Training Base

Four Canadian Armed Forces personnel were killed in an explosion following a wildfire at the Wainwright military training base in Alberta on Saturday, while 39 other soldiers suffered serious burn injuries. Nineteen of the injured remain in critical condition. Military officials acknowledged that they had been aware of the fire but initially did not consider it a threat, as it was approximately one kilometre away and appeared to be under control. Live-fire training was therefore allowed to continue. However, strong gusts of wind suddenly changed the fire’s direction in the evening, allowing

three-dead-16-injured-in-calgary-bus-crash-and-explosion

AlbertaOct 16, 2026

Three Dead, 16 Injured in Calgary Bus Crash and Explosion

Three people have died and 16 others, including a police officer, were injured in a bus collision and fire in Calgary on Thursday. All three deceased were passengers on the same bus. Two of the victims have been identified, while the identity of the third is still being confirmed. According to police, the crash involved two transit buses and several other vehicles in the northeastern part of the city. A bus carrying compressed natural gas tanks caught fire, followed by a powerful explosion within seconds. One bus driver managed to escape unharmed, while the driver of the second bus was taken t

punjab-and-haryana-high-court-clears-bhagwant-manns-proposed-france-visit

IndiaOct 16, 2026

Punjab and Haryana High Court Clears Bhagwant Mann’s Proposed France Visit

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has overturned the Centre’s decision to deny political clearance for Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s proposed visit to France. According to reports, Mann may now leave for France tomorrow. The Union Ministry of External Affairs had refused permission, citing security concerns and the absence of a formal invitation from the French government. The Punjab government challenged the Centre’s decision in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The court’s ruling today has provided relief to the state government. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is scheduled to

Related News

Canada’s Annual Inflation Rate Rises to 3.1% in September

Canada’s Annual Inflation Rate Rises to 3.1% in September

Canada’s annual inflation rate rose to 3.1 per cent in September, slightly exceeding the Bank of Canada’s upper target limit of 3 per cent. Inflation had remained steady at 3 per cent in August. According to a report released by Statistics Canada on Monday, higher gasoline and diesel prices were the main contributors to the increase in inflation last month. Food prices also rose, although the pace of growth was slower than in the previous month. Statistics Canada reported that grocery prices increased by 1.7 per cent year over year in September, down from 2.8 per cent in August. This marke

Canada Updates Express Entry Rules for PR, Offering More Points for High-Wage Jobs

Canada Updates Express Entry Rules for PR, Offering More Points for High-Wage Jobs

Canada has introduced changes to its Express Entry system for permanent residency (PR), giving additional points to candidates with Canadian work experience or job offers in high-wage sectors such as engineering. According to an announcement made by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab on Friday, candidates with Canadian work experience or qualifying high-wage job offers will receive additional points under the updated system. The government will define a high-wage job as one that pays at least 1.3 times the national median wage. Candidates with higher-paying job offers will be eligible for

U.S.-Made Vehicles Lose 20% Market Share in Canada in First Half of 2026

U.S.-Made Vehicles Lose 20% Market Share in Canada in First Half of 2026

The market share of U.S.-made vehicles in Canada fell by 20% in the first half of 2026, following Canada's imposition of 25% retaliatory tariffs on American cars and trucks in response to tariffs introduced by Washington. As a result, major automakers, including Volvo, Tesla, Subaru and Mazda, have stopped supplying certain U.S.-built models to Canada or shifted some production to other countries to avoid Canadian tariffs. Vehicles manufactured in Mexico, Japan and South Korea can enter Canada without these tariffs. Meanwhile, Canadian-made vehicles have also suffered from the trade war, with

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation

BC Children's Hospital