In a significant move, Justin Trudeau’s Heritage Ministry has declared its support for a new initiative aimed at providing full payroll rebates for mainstream journalists.
In a recent interview, the department of Canadian Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge acknowledged that media outlets receiving federal funding are purchasing what is described as “social cohesion.”
The Heritage Minister is reportedly seeking to implement a state program that would provide 100% payroll rebates for mainstream journalists, as revealed in information obtained on October 7 by Blacklock’s Reporter.
Pascale St-Ongea stated that the crisis in local journalism poses a threat to social cohesion,” but it did not clarify what she meant by “social cohesion.”
The Canadian Association of Journalists has expressed approval for the Local Journalism Initiative and the annual rebates for mainstream media, which amount to $19.6 million. This funding effectively positions federally funded journalists as employees of the government.
The report stated, “The Local Journalism Initiative contributes to social cohesion by having journalists tell stories about and for communities.” “The role of local journalism is crucial in maintaining community identity and fostering social cohesion.”
“Local journalism conveys information that significantly affects the daily lives of its readers and covers the political and social landscape,” it stated.
“It enhances the reader’s bond with a community, highlighting their responsibilities as a citizen in a democratic society,” the report stated. “As the volume of digital information continues to surge, the role of local journalism becomes crucial in the fabric of community life.”
Media outlets financed by Trudeau
The report did not clarify the definition of “social cohesion,” yet media outlets financed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration have gained notoriety for supporting the Liberals while undermining any opposition to the party or its controversial policies.
In September, Trudeau’s House leader Karina Gould urged mainstream media reporters to closely examine Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, who has consistently criticized government-funded media as a tool of the Liberals.
Gould addressed Poilievre’s commitment to eliminate funding for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) should he become prime minister. Poilievre has consistently voiced his opposition to media outlets funded by the government, with particular emphasis on the CBC.
There have been several reports indicating that the CBC has been involved in promoting what some describe as ideological content. This includes the production of pro-LGBT materials aimed at children, an implicit endorsement of gender transition procedures for minors, advocacy for euthanasia, and a perceived justification for the arson of predominantly Catholic churches across the nation.
Sustaining legacy media outlets
In 2019, Parliament enacted changes to the Income Tax Act, introducing annual rebates of 25 percent for each news employee working in cabinet-approved media outlets. This initiative applies to those earning up to $55,000 annually, with a cap set at $13,750.
The Canadian Heritage Department has acknowledged that the current payouts are inadequate for sustaining legacy media outlets. In response, they have recommended increasing the rebates to a maximum of $29,750 per year.
In November of last year, Trudeau made headlines once more by announcing heightened financial support for legacy media outlets, a move that aligns with the approach to the upcoming 2025 election. Taxpayers are projected to bear a cost of $129 million for the subsidies over the next five years.
In a similar vein, the budget proposed by Trudeau for 2024 includes an allocation of $42 million in additional funding for the CBC for the fiscal year 2024-25.
The $42 million allocated to the CBC adds to substantial media funding that constitutes approximately 70 percent of its operating budget, totaling over $1 billion each year.
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