Calgary Media Ownership: Petitions Ignite National Debate

CALGARY — Online discussions are buzzing today as two petitions on the House of Commons website about foreign media ownership have sparked lively debates across social media platforms. The petitions, which focus on Canadian sovereignty in media, have caught the attention of thousands of Canadians, stirring conversations about the future of media ownership in the country.

Petitions Highlight Concerns Over Foreign Media Ownership

The spark behind this digital debate comes from petitions e-6821 and e-6879, both active on the official House of Commons petitions website. Petition e-6821, sponsored by Liberal MP Viviane Lapointe, calls for legislation requiring majority Canadian ownership of news media to safeguard national sovereignty. This petition cites the control of Postmedia by the U.S. hedge fund Chatham Asset Management as a key issue and has gathered 14,850 signatures. Meanwhile, petition e-6879 calls for a review of foreign ownership under the Investment Canada Act, seeking stricter regulations and transparency, and has accrued 4,327 signatures. The engagement reflects a deep-seated concern over foreign influence in Canadian media, a topic that has been contentious since the Broadcasting Act of 1968.

Wide Support Across Provinces Fuels Online Debate

The petitions have gained significant traction, with e-6821 drawing 2,073 signatures from Alberta and 6,922 from Ontario, and e-6879 attracting 631 signatures from Alberta and 1,730 from Ontario. This widespread participation underscores a shared apprehension about foreign media control, resonating with historical public sentiment and recent academic concerns about media diversity. Comments from local discussion threads reflect a mix of support and skepticism. Supporters, including NDP MP Gord Johns and the Unifor union, echo past surveys showing strong opposition to foreign ownership. Meanwhile, some users express frustration at the perceived slow response from regulators. The debate highlights a complex issue that continues to engage Canadians across the political spectrum.

As these petitions remain open for signatures, the conversation about media ownership is expected to persist, potentially influencing future legislative actions. Citizens are encouraged to participate and voice their opinions before the petitions close next month.