*tentatively scheduled vote on senate amendments planned for week of March 20

Bill C-11, introduced by the Liberal government to regulate online broadcasts, is an unacceptable Liberals attack on the freedoms of individual internet users in Canada. Just like its deeply flawed precursor, Bill C-10, Bill C-11 fails to address the serious concerns raised by experts, industry stakeholders, and Canadians about its draconian rules. I voted against C-10 in 2021, and was disappointed to see C-11 have the support of the NDP and BQ again and went on to the Senate last June.

Following a lengthy study by the senators, the Senate passed Bill C-11 on Feb. 2, but made 26 amendments. The Senate version of the bill prevents the government from filtering Canadians’ social media posts and feeds while still leaving the regulation of streaming feeds in place. As a result, Bill C-11 will still limit what Canadians can view and listen to, and will also harm digital first creators, limiting their success and ability to reach global audiences.

Bill C-11 is now back to the House of Commons, where we are having the final debates and Canadians will await the government’s response to the changes. Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez told an industry audience that he would reject any Senate amendments that have an impact, but we will continue to be the voice for Canadians who are rightfully concerned about their rights and freedoms on the internet and who have been left behind by the Liberal government. As our leader has promised, a Conservative government will repeal Bill C-11, will pass legislation requiring large streaming services to invest more into producing Canadian content, and will protect the individual rights and freedoms of Canadians.

Please see below my previous statements on Bill C-11 and Bill C-10:

• STATEMENT: NDP-Liberal Government vote in favour of Liberal Internet Regulation Bill | Matt Jeneroux
• STATEMENT: Bill-C 10 is an affront to fundamental freedoms