Ottawa – A prominent independent Canadian news outlet is calling on the federal government to halt taxpayer-funded subsidies to journalism organizations and introduce full transparency to the programs.
Blacklock’s Reporter has submitted recommendations to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage as part of its current study into the state of journalism and media sectors in 2026. The outlet demands public disclosure of all subsidy recipients by name, independent audits of fund usage, and the eventual elimination of all such government support to safeguard media independence and promote fair competition.
Introduced in 2019 as temporary payroll rebates and tax credits to assist struggling news organizations, the subsidies have since become permanent and now support approximately 141 media corporations. Critics, including Blacklock’s, contend that the absence of openness has enabled misuse, such as funds being used to cover delinquent taxes during layoffs, violations of labour rules through foreign worker hires, or sustaining operations that later shuttered bureaus.
Blacklock’s highlighted that what was presented as short-term transitional aid has evolved into an indefinite arrangement lacking proper accountability, describing it as fostering a lack of independence in Canadian media.
The submission arrives amid ongoing scrutiny of federal media support initiatives, with unsubsidized independent outlets positioning themselves as alternatives free from government influence. The Heritage Committee’s study continues to assess challenges facing the sector and potential paths to sustainability.
