Photo © Ian Schneider

The Coalition for the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (CDCE), which represents 360,000 creators and 2,900 cultural enterprises across Canada, applauds the passage of Bill C-11 by the House of Commons following its consideration by the Senate. The Coalition is pleased to see that the concerns that they have expressed have been addressed. On April 18, the bill will return to the Senators, who will be able to approve the work done by elected officials and to finally receive Royal Assent. The CDCE invites them to do so as soon as possible.

“We’re almost there! After two years and over 100 hours of study and debate, Canada is on the verge of a modern Broadcasting Act that will bring the web giants within its reach. In a climate of acrimony and misinformation, we salute the work and courage of the elected officials who, for the past two years, have tirelessly supported the cultural sector and ensured the sustainability of our cultural sovereignty.” said Bill Skolnik, Co-Chair of the CDCE.

“Over the past few months, Senators have conducted a rigorous analysis of the bill and made some improvements. We salute their work, but invite them today to take note of the decisions of the elected officials and to move the bill in its current state towards Royal Assent as quickly as possible,” declared Hélène Messier, Co-chair of the CDCE.

The objective of the modernization of the Broadcasting Act is to ensure that online companies, like traditional ones, are required to contribute to the funding and promotion of Canadian programs, music and films. While disappointed with some aspects of the bill, including the inclusion of a double standard for foreign online companies in a key section and the virtual disappearance of an appeal mechanism to the Governor in Council, the CDCE supports this essential modernization to ensure Canada’s cultural sovereignty.

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For more information 

Marie-Julie Desrochers, Executive Director

438 872-7282 mjdesrochers@cdc-ccd.org