Canada's television broadcasters are pushing back against proposed legislation that would ban food advertising targeting children, warning it could harm their ability to fund essential newsroom operations. Blacklock's Reporter says the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) urged senators to reject Bill C-252, arguing industry self-regulation is sufficient.“When the ability to advertise with Canadian companies is constrained, it directly impacts the ability for broadcasters to support essential democratic activities within their newsrooms and their ability to support the creation of Canadian stories,” Kevin Desjardins, CAB president, testified at the Senate social affairs committee.Bill C-252, An Act To Amend The Food And Drugs Act, would give the Department of Health authority to ban ads for foods aimed at children under 13 if they contain "more than prescribed levels of sugar, saturated fats, or sodium." The specific thresholds would be set by cabinet.The Canadian Cancer Society has backed the bill, citing concerning dietary trends. “Children ages 9 to 13 are getting nearly 60% of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods which are often high in nutrients of concern like saturated fat, sugars, and sodium,” the society told the committee. It warned these foods increase the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer.Andrea Hunt, CEO of the Association of Canadian Advertisers, opposed the bill, raising concerns about economic fallout and free expression. “This bill will almost certainly have economic impact and affect the support for media, talent, and creativity, as well as impose unwieldy governance and financial consequences for both government and industry,” Hunt said.A 2019 report from advertisers opposing a similar bill estimated an ad ban would cost $956 million annually, including $366 million in lost television ad revenue and $590 million in lost digital advertising.Proponents of the bill argue that stronger measures are overdue. “Action is necessary,” said Liberal MP Patricia Lattanzio (Saint Léonard–Saint Michel, Que.), who sponsored Bill C-252. “Inaction will mean our children will continue to be manipulated by this multi-billion dollar industry. Relying on powerful multinational companies to self-regulate and reduce their targeting has only been proven unsuccessful.”Despite industry resistance, the bill passed the Commons in 2023 with a vote of 208 to 115.
