Local journalism is so important to many communities across Canada. Local newspapers are the most reliable source of community news and local coverage. Larger newspapers simply don’t cover events or news in small towns or rural areas. That is why it was so concerning to hear from community papers that Canada Post is engaging in massive promotions that are doing significant damage to their business.
I rose in the Chamber on June 16th to ask the Minister of Canadian Heritage why the government is allowing Canada Post to offer free services that are clearly competing with local newspapers.
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Mr. Kevin Waugh:
Newspapers rely, as we all know, on advertising for a significant portion of their revenue. This includes the usual flyers as well as in-paper ads. I've heard major concerns from a number of newspapers in this country about competition they're receiving today from Canada Post, which is offering massive free postage services. In fact, I have one of their ads here, which says that the first 6,000 pieces of postage are 100% free.
If the government is genuine about wanting to ensure that newspapers and journals can succeed in this country, why are you allowing Canada Post to use its monopoly power to actually threaten local newspapers in this country?
Hon. Steven Guilbeault (Minister of Canadian Heritage):
Thank you, Madame Chair, and I thank the member opposite for his question.
As you well know, a healthy news and media sector in Canada is a priority for our government, which is why we have put in place a number of measures before COVID-19 and during COVID-19, and we will continue to be there for them after this crisis has gone by.
