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18 bd 3 REGION URGES FEDS TO TAKE ACTION IN SUPPORT OF 3 CANADIAN ¢ JOURNALISM 2 MELANIE HENNESSEY mhennessey@ metroland.com Iton Hills | Thursday, June 10, 2021 | Halton is calling on the federal government to quickly pass legislation that will ensure a healthy future for the news media indust A motion to that effect, put forth by Oakville May- or Burton and Oakville econ Cathy Duddeck, issed_ regional council during its most re- cent meeting. The resolution recog- nizes that "a healthy, pro- fessional news media is es- sential to the Proper func- tioning of democracy in the region" and endorses legis- NEWS MEDIA IS ESSENTIAL’ lation and regulations that support and rejuvenate news outlets across the ountry. It goes on to outline c cerns with the layott of nearly 500 Canadian jour- nalists between March 2020 and April 2021, and the pri- or loss of 250 established news outlets across the yuntry due to closures or mores over a decade- long period starting in 200% 4 2 Duddeck said that sup- port for journalists is need- ed “as quite often they are the ones who get the infor- mation out to everybody on yur behalf. Seeing that large de- crease, we wanted to make e that we support them in nthe i int rim, Burlington Mayor Mari- anne Meed Ward, who spent 22 years in the jour- nalisi voiced her support oe the motion and “the need for a good, strong local media." She went on to speak about a meeting recently held by Torstar/Metroland that brought together Hal- ton community leaders to provide constructive feed- back on media coverage in the region and more. “As we call for local me- dia support and clearly say that we need the press, we also need the press to be on their game," she said. "I' optimistic that our cores were heard, and that we go forward ina spirit of cama- raderie." Burlington Councillor Paul Sharman said while he wholeheartedly en- dorses the resolution, he's not sure that “we can stop the tide of change" when it comes to the challenges traditional media outlets face in the rise of digital platforms and advertis- ing. The federal govern- ment i is currently crafting a plan that would see In- ape giants ‘Google and Facebook pay for Canadi- an news content on their Platforms. | made a 3 2018 Y anct alc eee nearly baa million r Cana media over a five-year ate in- cluding a 25 per cent tax credit for newsroom sala- ries, a 15 per cent tax credit for digital media subscrib- ers and charitable tax sta- tus for non- eed news out- lets. WE’RE THERE WHEN ed YOUR COMMUNITY. theifp.ca FIND BREAKING NEWS DAILY AT THEIFP.CA CELEBRATE YOUR GRADUATE! graduate the special recognition From as little as $24.99 (prices vary by newspaper) you can give your they deserve. For an extra special touch ‘can add a lawn sign for as little as $29.99! Don't worry if your graduate lives in a different community - with o across Ontario, there's a good chance we can help share your message! ¢ You can tell your graduate how proud you are of their milestone in + the pages of their community newspaper. On Jun » publishing a special Graduation feature carrying pictures and your 5 notes of pride of their monumental achievement. ver 60 community newspapers neon Daddy ‘your farniy Visit www.metrolanddirect.com today to e 24th we will be | SHOUT IT OUT WITHA LAWN SIGN! Single-sided full colour customizable 24” x 24” lawn sign \cludi Sipps & handling ag aE Order up to June 17th (7 business days prior our special section) for delivery by June 24th!