Canada Bill C-10 passed at 1:30am last night

[JS_Harris]

While Canadians slept last night, at 1:30 am to be specific, the Trudeau government's Bill C-10 was passed. The bill would need to be accepted by the majority later this summer to become global law, something that might not happen if not completed before the upcoming election. As the time it was passed suggests there is concern this is being rushed.

Here is the bill: [justice.gc.ca...]

Here is Google's position on Bill C-10. [canada.googleblog.com...]

Here is a Reddit discussion started 3 weeks ago about the Bill, before it was rushed through [reddit.com...]

What I want to know:

- How is this going to affect individuals publishing content?
- How much more is content going to cost to produce and consume(fees, oversight, licensing etc)?
- Where will the line between regulating free speech and censorship be drawn?

Thoughts?

[JS_Harris]

Stuff like this section confuses me a bit... you're freedom of speech is protected with these new rules that limit it?

Right to freedom of expression (section 2(b) of the Charter)

As broadcasting is a medium of communication, the Bill’s regulatory requirements, which are backed by penalties for non-compliance, have the potential to engage section 2(b) of the Charter.

Section 2(b) of the Charter provides that everyone has freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, and includes freedom of the press and other media of communication. Section 2(b) has been broadly interpreted as encompassing any activity or communication, aside from violence or threats of violence, which conveys or attempts to convey meaning. Freedom of expression protects speakers as well as listeners.

The following considerations support the consistency of the proposed regulatory requirements with section 2(b). The provisions aim to establish a fair competitive environment for online and traditional broadcasting services in Canada, in the context of changing market trends that have not been favourable to traditional broadcasters.

[Dimitri]

Can you sum up what this Bill C-10 is about?