Discussion · Government Orders
Andréanne Larouche Bloc Québécois
“The government needs to share its funding better. Too much money goes to the CBC, leaving too little for local and community news outlets that must fight big internet companies. Festivals and major events also need more support, because their funding has not kept up with rising costs.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is now 2026. This is not the 1980s anymore, and times have changed. As I demonstrated earlier, the example of media funding is striking. We have nothing against the CBC, but local and community media outlets have made it very clear to us that there is simply too little left for them. A better balance should have been found given that circumstances have changed. Local and community media are now struggling to compete with these greedy web giants. Here is an example of a policy that is no longer relevant in 2026. The government boasts about supporting events. However, I recently met with Festivals and Major Events Canada, who told us that although they did receive a little more funding, it was not enough to keep pace with inflation and rising costs. They need more support. There is also a direct link between tourism and major events, and between culture, which has a powerful ability to attract—”
Mr. Speaker, it is now 2026. This is not the 1980s anymore, and times have changed. As I demonstrated earlier, the example of media funding is striking. We have nothing against the CBC, but local and community media outlets have made it very clear to us that there is simply too little left for them. A better balance should have been found given that circumstances have changed. Local and community media are now struggling to compete with these greedy web giants. Here is an example of a policy that is no longer relevant in 2026. The government boasts about supporting events. However, I recently met with Festivals and Major Events Canada, who told us that although they did receive a little more funding, it was not enough to keep pace with inflation and rising costs. They need more support. There is also a direct link between tourism and major events, and between culture, which has a powerful ability to attract—