August 11, 2023
In recent months, the Government of Canada has passed a new law known as the Online News Act, formerly known in Canada as Bill C-18. In response to the overwhelming demand for comment we have received about this new law, we issue the following statement:
Signal High News Corporation is of the respectful view that Canada has every right to determine its own path, to find its own way and to regulate its own citizens, industries and markets; however, we are deeply concerned that this highly contentious national policy may lead to serious consequences, potentially isolating Canada from the global media community at a time when we are all working to break down barriers and lift the iron curtain, so to speak.
We are proudly American. We are incorporated in the United States and the vast majority of our offices, assets and employees are in the United States. We are an independent news agency and subordinate to the laws of the United States. We will continue to report news that matters to our readers, listeners, viewers and subscribers around the world, including Canada. We will continue to deploy journalists to Canada. We will continue to sell advertising space to Canadian firms. Nothing changes in this respect, at this time.
This being said, let it be known that Signal High News Corporation supports the actions taken by Meta, Facebook, Instagram, Google and other US media giants in response to what we all see as an isolating and protectionist policy – a slippery slope – a step toward trying to control the free press.
We fully anticipate that this is going to cost Canadian media in more ways than one, and strongly urge Canadian authorities to reconsider these measures, and to walk back the new law.
SIGNAL HIGH NEWS CORPORATION
Reference:
- (legal text) https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/O-9.3/
- (commentary) https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/csj-sjc/pl/charter-charte/c18_1.html
|
|
|
|
|
|
|