The Bloc Québécois Pushes for Tech Giants to Pay Cultural Royalties
The Bloc Québécois is intensifying its campaign to urge the Liberal government to mandate tech giants to pay royalties for the cultural sector. Additionally, they are demanding the release of the long-awaited $600 million pledged to the sector last June in lieu of royalties for this year.
On Thursday’s Opposition Day, the Bloc will introduce a motion to address these issues.
In an interview, Bloc Québécois MP Martin Champoux highlighted the Liberals’ role in passing Bill C-11 in 2023, which tasked the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) with finding ways for digital companies to contribute to cultural and broadcasting funding. However, Champoux expressed disappointment in the Liberals’ apparent retreat from this commitment.
Champoux emphasized the importance of defending culture, stating that it is not only the Bloc’s responsibility but also a shared desire among Quebec and Canadian broadcasting entities. He criticized the government for failing to implement the CRTC’s decision and urged for the prompt delivery of the promised $600 million to the cultural sector.
The Bloc Québécois motion also urges the Liberal government to make an interim payment of the pledged $600 million for the current year. Champoux warned against the consequences of not holding tech giants accountable, stressing the need for regulations to protect Francophone culture and the French language.
Keyphrase: cultural royalties
