Heritage minister calls for increased funding to combat online 'misinformation' ahead of potential election

Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge expressed frustration Thursday over the government's lack of control over free expression online, highlighting the challenges of navigating the digital landscape.

Blacklock's Reporter says her remarks followed the expiration of a controversial bill aimed at censoring certain legal internet content in Parliament earlier this year.

"We're living in difficult times," St-Onge told reporters. "Respect seems to be in short supply, and misinformation spreads faster than facts. Public debates are being manipulated by algorithms on social media platforms, making it increasingly hard to discuss important issues without facing hateful, misleading, or discriminatory remarks."

St-Onge emphasized the importance of preserving freedom of expression while acknowledging that this fundamental right is being exploited.

"We need to ensure freedom of expression is safeguarded, as it forms the backbone of a healthy and proud society. However, it's being undermined by those who control our communication platforms," she said, pointing to tech giants like Facebook, Twitter, and Google.

The minister raised concerns that these wealthy corporations are influencing global political narratives and shaping public discourse in ways that are beyond the control of governments.

"The worst part?" she added. "We have no control over where these platforms are headed and how they will continue to influence our perceptions of the world."

Earlier this year, the government's Bill C-63, which aimed to restrict certain online speech, was allowed to lapse when Parliament prorogued in January. The bill would have empowered the Canadian Human Rights Commission to investigate complaints about content deemed likely to incite hatred or vilification.

In response to growing concerns about unregulated online content, St-Onge proposed a significant increase in funding for the CBC, suggesting that Parliament spend 79% more on the public broadcaster, raising its annual budget from $1.4 billion to $2.5 billion. She argued that the increased funding would be critical in offering an alternative to the unregulated content circulating online.