Feds Say Talks With Meta on News Access “Remain Open”

Canada’s federal government says it continues to keep the door open for discussions with Meta — the parent company of Facebook and Instagram — about restoring access to Canadian news on its social media platforms. Ottawa’s comments come as both sides navigate ongoing issues related to the Online News Act, which requires large digital platforms to negotiate compensation agreements with Canadian news outlets.

Heritage and media stakeholders have been at odds with Meta since the company chose to remove Canadian news content from Facebook and Instagram in response to the Online News Act after the law took effect. The federal government argues that legislation like the Online News Act is necessary to support Canada’s news ecosystem and ensure fair compensation for journalism that drives engagement on social media. Meta, on the other hand, has raised concerns about the legal and financial implications of the law, contributing to the ongoing absence of news content on its apps.

In remarks shared by government representatives, officials emphasized that Ottawa has engaged in “regular discussions” with digital platforms, and that the federal stance has not shifted despite the impasse with Meta. “The door has always been open on our government’s side to discuss these issues,” said the press secretary to Culture Minister Mark Miller, underscoring a willingness to continue negotiations.

The video from  National News highlights this ongoing diplomatic and regulatory balancing act: officials acknowledge the value that major tech platforms bring to Canadians but stress the need to protect the viability of local journalism and ensure that Canadian news outlets are fairly remunerated when their content appears on large social networks.

Observers note that restoring a news presence on Meta’s platforms could have implications beyond media economics — including how information circulates, affects public discourse, and connects Canadians with current events. The conversations between Ottawa and Meta happen against a backdrop of rapid changes in tech regulation globally, as governments grapple with how to balance innovation, free expression, and the economic health of traditional media.

Despite the government’s openness to discussions, there are no confirmed timelines for when or if Meta might reinstate Canadian news content, and whether any new agreement would satisfy both legislative requirements and the company’s business priorities.