Building a bargaining framework for the Online News Act
The Online News Act (formerly Bill C-18) became law on June 22, 2023. It is intended to help Canadian news organizations reach fair commercial agreements with the largest online platforms, such as search engines and social media sites.
Our Plan
To implement the Online News Act, the CRTC will set up a framework for fair negotiations between news organizations in Canada and the largest online platforms that distribute their news content. The CRTC will oversee the mandatory bargaining process once it is in place. The CRTC will launch a public consultation to gather the views of Canadians and interested parties.
Fall 2023
The CRTC will hold a public consultation.
The CRTC will also issue a call for proposals for an independent auditor, who will prepare an annual report on the impact of the Act on Canada’s digital news marketplace.
Starting Summer 2024
The CRTC will publish the framework and code of conduct.
The CRTC will also recruit qualified independent arbitrators, consider applications for eligibility from news organizations, and begin information gathering.
Late 2024/Early 2025
Once eligible news organizations and arbitrators are in place, mandatory bargaining can begin.
Have your say
In fall 2023, affected parties, industry representatives and Canadians will be invited to comment and help build the bargaining framework. All comments received will form part of the public record and will inform the CRTC’s decision. Potential consultation topics include:
- How bargaining and arbitration process will work;
- A code of conduct parties will follow to support fair negotiations;
- The eligibility process for news organizations;
- Addressing complaints from eligible news organizations when online platforms act unfairly;
- Data the CRTC should collect to fulfill its mandate under the Act.
We encourage all interested parties to prepare for the upcoming consultation process and to follow the conversation on our Twitter and LinkedIn accounts.
If you are a news organization or a digital news platform, we are here to answer your questions.
Please give us a call: 1-866-781-1911. Open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern time).
Related links
- Statement by the CRTC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Vicky Eatrides, on the Online News Act
- The Online News Act (formerly Bill C-18)
- Learn more about the Online News Act
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