The Canadian government has reached a deal with Google over the Online News Act that will see the tech giant pay $100 million annually to publishers, and continue to allow access to Canadian news content on its platform.

Canadian Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge announced the “historic development” regarding the implementation of Bill C-18 on Wednesday, after the tech giant had threatened to block news on its platform when the contentious new rules come into effect next month.

“We have found a path forward to answer Google’s questions about their process and the Act. Google wanted certainty about the amount of compensation it would have to pay to Canadian news outlets,” St-Onge said, backed by Liberal MPs in the House of Commons foyer.

“Many doubted that we would be successful, but I was confident that we would find a way to address Google’s concerns and make sure that Canadians would have access to news in Canada on their platform,” she said, insisting there were “absolutely no concessions” made on the government’s part.

The federal government says this financial support will be indexed to inflation, and rolled out to “a wide range of news businesses across the country, including independent news businesses and those from Indigenous and official-language minority communities.”

Google will also be able to work with a single collective to distribute this money to “all interested eligible news businesses,” based on the number of full-time equivalent journalists they employ.

So far, little has been revealed about what, if any, regulatory adjustments the federal government will be making, with Canadian Heritage indicating that it is unable to release details about the finalized regulations until they are approved by the Treasury Board prior to the Act coming into effect.

St-Onge said Canada reserves the right to reopen the regulations if better agreements are struck in other countries, but for now what’s been agreed to “will establish a fairer commercial relationship between digital platforms and in journalism and Canada.”

“Following extensive discussions, we are pleased that the Government of Canada has committed to addressing our core issues with Bill C-18, which included the need for a streamlined path to an exemption at a clear commitment threshold,” said President of Global Affairs at Google and Alphabet Kent Walker in a statement.

“While we work with the government through the exemption process based on the regulations that will be published shortly, we will continue sending valuable traffic to Canadian publishers,” Walker said.

TRUDEAU CALLS OUT META 

Bill C-18, or the Online News Act, lays out a framework that would require digital giants Google and Meta to develop agreements with Canadian news sites to provide them with compensation for hosting their journalistic content on their platforms.

When the bill passed in June, Both Google and Meta had taken the position that rather than compensating media organizations, they’d be blocking Canadian news from their platforms.

Meta made good on this threat this summer, and that company continues to block content from Canadian news platforms on Facebook and Instagram, despite political and public pressure to reverse course. 

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau came out swinging against Meta – right now the only other company that meets the threshold to be eligible under the Online News Act – over its decision to pull news access rather than pay for it.

“Unfortunately, Meta continues to complete abdicate any responsibility towards democratic institutions and even stability, but we’re going to continue to work positively in those areas,” Trudeau said.

Reacting to Wednesday’s developments, Meta said the federal regulatory process related to the Online News Act remains “not equipped” to adjust the core elements of the legislation they’ve long-viewed as “unworkable.”

“Unlike search engines, we do not proactively pull news from the internet to place in our users’ feeds and we have long been clear that the only way we can reasonably comply with the Online News Act is by ending news availability for people in Canada,” said an unnamed Meta spokesperson in a statement emailed to CTV News. 

WHAT WERE GOOGLE’S CONCERNS?

In advance of this deal, Google had indicated that barring adjustments to the proposed federal regulations underpinning the new rules, the search giant would follow Meta’s lead and remove links to Canadian stories from its Search and other products when the legislation comes into effect on Dec. 19.

The tech giant had voiced concern about “serious structural issues with C-18 that regrettably were not dealt with during the legislative process,” and has called the bill a “link tax” that “breaks the way the web and search engines have worked for more than 30 years,” and may expose them to “uncapped financial liability.”

According to The Canadian Press, citing a Canadian Heritage Department official, the final regulations will also address Google’s concern around the rules setting up linking to news sites as the basis for payment by clarifying that Google’s now-secured payment is about helping publishers and not for linking to news.

Alongside this deal, Canadian Heritage said Google will continue to make programs such as training and business development tools available and will carry on with its support for non-profit journalism projects, while offering assurances “Canadian news businesses will continue to be treated commensurately with their global peers.” 

Earlier this year the federal government had put an estimated price tag on how much Google would have to spend – $172 million – in annual compensation to meet the proposed exemption criteria, a figure the tech giant disputed.

St-Onge took over the contentious file from her predecessor and the bill’s sponsor Pablo Rodriguez following a July cabinet shuffle, seeing her take the lead in recent months on the online news negotiations with platforms.

On Wednesday she thanked her predecessor for his work on the file, and said this deal was an example of how under the “viable” Online News Act, Canadian outlets are “expected to see substantial financial support.”

“For more than a decade, news organizations have been disrupted by the arrival of large digital platforms like Google. In Canada, nearly 500 media outlets have closed their doors… All over the world, governments have set up systems to try to establish a more level playing field between tech giants and news organizations, which are essential in our democracies,” St-Onge said. 

While the minister is viewing the deal as a win for Canadian news outlets by establishing funding that wasn’t already on offer, Canadian media advocacy group Friends’ said it “will not deliver the kind of support to Canadian journalism that we originally hoped for.”

“We will be looking to the regulations to ensure that smaller, independent, and equity-seeking media groups are assured access to funding. Since this deal confirms that The Online News Act will not be a panacea for protecting Canadian journalism, other tools to provide support for news must be put in place,” said Friends’ executive director Marla Boltman in a statement.

The Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) said it was “relieved” to learn about this agreement averting any further Google news blocking, and is hopeful that it “establishes the right precedent for other digital platforms that make use of Canadian news content.”

“We are glad to know that Canadians will be able to continue to access news through Google,” said CAB president Kevin Desjardins. “We look forward to continuing to engage with the Government to ensure an equitable funding model for Canadian newsrooms.” 

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There’s no doubt that Canada boasts a rich tapestry of cinematic brilliance. Several film directors have left an indelible mark on the global stage. These icons have not only shaped the landscape of cinema but have also left an enduring legacy. Through their unique storytelling and visual prowess, they have become true legends in the world of film. And if you’re Live betting odds are as adrenaline-rushing as these directors’ works, you’ll be more than happy to update your watch list.

1. David Cronenberg: Master of the Macabre

Known for pushing the boundaries of the horror genre, David Cronenberg has earned his place among the cinematic elite. From classics like “The Fly” and “Videodrome,” Cronenberg’s films often explore unique themes. These include the intersection of technology, the human body, and societal anxieties. Despite some controversies, his knack for unsettling audiences has made him a respected figure. You’ll definitely love to watch his blockbuster hits when you’re done reading the blog.tonybet.com.

In Cronenberg’s early films like “Shivers” (1975) and “Rabid” (1977), he kicked off the body horror trend. This kind of horror digs into how our bodies go through wild changes, both physically and mentally. Cronenberg was all about the weird mix of human flesh and machines, showing it in strange and surreal scenes, making it a big part of his unique style.

The psychological and existential aspects are evident in “Videodrome” (1983) and “Dead Ringers” (1988). “Videodrome” seeks the disturbing intersection of technology and the human mind. “Dead Ringers” explores the psychological unraveling of identical twins. Both films exemplify Cronenberg’s ability to create challenging narratives within the horror framework.

“The Brood” (1979) and “Scanners” (1981) further solidified Cronenberg’s reputation as a master of body horror. “The Brood” explores the psychological implications of repressed emotions. “Scanners,” on the other hand, introduces individuals with telepathic and telekinetic abilities.

His impact on the horror and science fiction genres is immeasurable. Whatever films you’ve seen by him, they’ve inspired a new generation of filmmakers and critics. In fact, the term “Cronenbergian” is often used to describe works that share his thematic and stylistic preoccupations. His willingness to challenge societal norms has contributed to his enduring legacy in the world of cinema.

2. Atom Egoyan: Crafting Intricate Narratives

Atom Egoyan is a Canadian filmmaker of Armenian descent. He is renowned for his ability to craft intricate narratives that examine the complexities of the human psyche. The director combines a fascination with technology and a penchant for nonlinear storytelling. This, paired with a deep exploration of cultural histories, makes his filmmaking style quite unique.

His career took off in the 1980s with films like “Next of Kin” and “Family Viewing,” which hinted at his unique storytelling approach. Even in these early works, Egoyan demonstrated a fascination with the impact of technology on human connections. This became a theme that would become a hallmark of his filmography.

Egoyan gained international recognition with “Exotica” (1994), a film that weaves a complex web of relationships in a strip club. It explores themes of desire, loss, and emotional connection. The Sweet Hereafter” (1997), based on Russell Banks’ novel, further solidified his reputation. With its nonlinear narrative structure, the film examines the aftermath of a tragic school bus accident in a small town. It earned critical acclaim and Academy Award nominations.

Egoyan’s films often delve into the intricacies of identity and the impact of technology on human relationships. He also uses the concept of the unreliability of memory in his films. In  “Felicia’s Journey” and “Ararat,” he explores the interplay between personal and cultural histories. This adds layers of complexity to his narratives. His storytelling is marked by a willingness to challenge audiences with thought-provoking themes.

Egoyan is known for taking artistic risks, including adapting challenging material for the screen. With the willingness to tackle complex narratives, he stands out as a filmmaker unafraid to push the boundaries.

3. Denis Villeneuve: From Quebec to Hollywood Heights

Denis Villeneuve’s ascent to Hollywood stardom has been nothing short of spectacular. With films such as “Arrival” and “Blade Runner 2049,” Villeneuve has demonstrated a mastery of visual storytelling. While controversies are scarce in his career, his ability to tackle genres with finesse has elevated him to legendary status.

Villeneuve’s breakthrough came with “Incendies” in 2010, a film that received international acclaim. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The emotionally charged narrative showcased Villeneuve’s ability to handle complex and powerful stories.

His foray into science fiction elevated him to new heights. “Arrival” (2016), for example, was a cerebral and visually stunning exploration of communication and time. The movie got a lot of love and even scored him a nod for Best Director at the Academy Awards. After that big win, he tackled the challenge of directing “Blade Runner 2049” (2017), a follow-up to the classic original. People praised the film for looking visually stunning and having a deep story.

Villeneuve’s signature style is marked by meticulous attention to detail and atmospheric tension. He also uses a visual language that immerses audiences in the worlds he creates. His collaborations with cinematographer Roger Deakins have been particularly noteworthy.

Villeneuve’s films often tackle complex themes with a nuanced touch. This has earned him a reputation for delivering intellectual depth and emotional resonance.

4. Sarah Polley: A Directorial Force and Storytelling Sensation

Sarah Polley’s transition from acclaimed actress to director has been remarkable. Her impact on Canadian cinema is characterized by a commitment to authentic narratives.

Sarah Polley began her career as an actress, gaining prominence in films like “The Sweet Hereafter” and “Exotica.” Her early success as an actress laid the foundation for a transition into filmmaking. She soon established herself as a directorial force.

She made a striking directorial debut with “Away from Her” in 2006, an adaptation of Alice Munro’s short story “The Bear Came Over the Mountain.” The film explores the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on a long-term marriage. And, of course, it garnered widespread critical acclaim. Julie Christie’s performance earned an Academy Award nomination, and Polley’s direction marked her as a talent to watch.

Films like “Take This Waltz” and “Stories We Tell,” explore the intricate dynamics of human relationships. Polley’s storytelling is marked by its emotional depth and a keen understanding of the human condition. Her ability to navigate the nuances of interpersonal connections sets her apart as a director.

5. James Cameron: The Visionary Blockbuster Maestro

No exploration of Canadian directors would be complete without James Cameron. Renowned for his blockbuster epics, Cameron’s ability to create stunning spectacles is unparalleled. Often hailed as “The Visionary Blockbuster Maestro,” he has left an indelible mark on the film industry.  His visionary storytelling and technological innovation have captivated global audiences. And Cameron’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary.

He directed two blockbuster films that became iconic in cinema history. “Titanic” (1997) not only took the world by storm but also snagged 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. “Avatar” (2009) revolutionized filmmaking by introducing groundbreaking 3D technology. It actually set new standards for immersive cinematic experiences.

Cameron also places a strong emphasis on authentic storytelling and character development. Despite the grandiosity of his films, the emotional resonance of the characters remains a central focus. This balance between jaw-dropping visuals and relatable stories contributes to his enduring appeal.

Despite his successes, Cameron’s ambitious projects often come with challenges and controversies. The production of “Titanic” faced numerous obstacles. These included budget overruns and skepticism from the industry. “Avatar” was also a massive undertaking that tested the limits of technology and resources. However, his ability to overcome these challenges speaks to his commitment to his creative vision.

6. Xavier Dolan: The Wunderkind of Quebec Cinema

Xavier Dolan stands out as a prodigious talent in the realm of Quebec cinema. He has earned the title “The Wunderkind” for his remarkable achievements at a young age. Dolan’s directorial debut, “I Killed My Mother,” catapulted him into the international spotlight. It also showcased his extraordinary capabilities as a filmmaker.

The film received standing ovations and three awards. The latter included the prestigious Directors’ Fortnight Art Cinema Award. The movie is about the rocky relationship between a young gay man and his mother. It explores themes of love, identity, and familial conflicts with a depth and maturity that belied Dolan’s age.

Dolan is known for his distinctive visual style, characterized by bold colors and dynamic camerawork. His films often feature intense emotional narratives. This unique blend of visual flair and emotional depth has become a hallmark of Dolan’s work.

7. Jean-Marc Vallée: Crafting Emotional Landscapes

Jean-Marc Vallée is recognized for films that show the complexities of human relationships. “Dallas Buyers Club” and “Wild” garnered critical acclaim for their powerful storytelling. He connects with audiences by capturing raw emotions.

Vallée’s career began in the world of French-language cinema. He gained recognition for films like “C.R.A.Z.Y.” (2005), a coming-of-age drama that explores themes of identity and acceptance. Even in these early works, Vallée displayed a talent for portraying nuanced emotions.

Vallée gained international recognition with “The Young Victoria” (2009). The film is a period drama that explores the early years of Queen Victoria’s reign. Its success demonstrated Vallée’s versatility as a director. It showcased his ability to navigate historical narratives.

“Dallas Buyers Club” (2013) marked a pivotal moment in Vallée’s career. The film, based on the true story of Ron Woodroof’s battle with AIDS, received widespread acclaim. It earned several Academy Awards, including Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor. Vallée’s direction was praised for its raw emotional impact and authenticity.