October 2022 update

By: Helen Beny, PhD Candidate (McMaster University)

As Bill C-18, the Online News Act, and Bill C-11, the Online Streaming Act, move through the house and senate, tech companies have ramped up their lobbying. Facebook, Google, Amazon, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle and Netflix registered 34 registered lobbying communications in October (Figure 1).  Meta (Facebook Canada Ltd.) and Alphabet (Google) focussed on C-18 and C-11.

Tech companies have registered 353 lobbying communications so far in 2022. According to our tech lobbying timeline, platforms such as Google and Amazon have increased their lobbying efforts in Canada and overall, this month bringing annual tech lobbying to an all-time annual high.

The following chart shows the number of lobbying communications per company in October 2022:

Google Canada Corporation

In the past month, Google Canada’s Managing Director Sabrina Geremia registered communications with Members of Parliament, Policy Advisors to the Prime Minister, Canadian Heritage Office and Members of the Senate, accounting for nine registered lobbying communications to discuss “broadcasting and media”.  

On October 14th, Colin McKay, head of Public Policy and Government Relations for Google Canada, appeared before the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (CHPC) as a witness to share their position on Bill C-18. McKay argues that the bill will not meet the government’s intended objective to support Canada’s local journalism industry. Instead, Google has argued that the Bill C-18 will lead to an increase in misinformation because it will reduce the access to legitimate news sources, and it could also lead to a link-tax. (The Canadian Heritage Committee denies this, saying they will not assign a “value” for clicks or links. )

To support their lobbying efforts, Google has commissioned Abacus Data to conduct a national public opinion survey to explore perceptions and views around Bill C-18. Ottawa criticized Google for their survey and stated that they are attempting to avoid accountability.   

Google Canada Corporation

Communication DateLobbiedSubject MattersResponsible Officer
2022-10-04  Martin Champoux, Member of Parliament for Drummond House of CommonsBroadcasting, Media  Sabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-10-04  Fritz-Lionel Adimi, Policy Advisor Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)
Ben Chin, Senior Advisor Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)
Brian Clow, Deputy Chief of Staff Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)
Oz Jungic, Policy Advisor Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)  
Broadcasting, Media  Sabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-10-13  Thomas Owen Ripley, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Cultural Affairs Canadian Heritage (PCH)  Broadcasting, Media  Sabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-10-19  Scott Tannas, Senator for Alberta Senate of Canada  Broadcasting, Media  Sabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-10-19  Matthew Gray, Policy Advisor | Office of the Minister, Canadian Heritage (PCH)
Thomas Owen Ripley, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Cultural Affairs Canadian Heritage (PCH)  
Broadcasting, Media  Sabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-10-19  Peter Julian, Member of Parliament for New Westminster—Burnaby House of Commons Jagmeet Singh, Member of Parliament for Burnaby South House of Commons  Broadcasting, Media  Sabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-10-20  Leo Housakos, Senator for Québec Senate of Canada  Broadcasting, Media  Sabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-10-20  Julie Miville-Dechêne, Senator for Québec Senate of Canada  Broadcasting, Media  Sabrina Geremia, Managing Director
2022-10-24  Fritz-Lionel Adimi, Policy Advisor Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)  Broadcasting, Justice and Law Enforcement, Media  Sabrina Geremia, Managing Director
(Office of the Lobbying Commissioner 2022)

Facebook Canada Ltd.  

Garrick Tiplady (Managing Director) of Facebook Canada Ltd. registered communications with the Deputy Minister Canadian Heritage (PCH) Isabelle Mondou and Associate Assistant Deputy Minister (Cultural Affairs) Owen Ripley to discuss “industry”. Following suit, Tiplady also noted communications with Deputy Minister Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) Simon Kennedy and lastly Member of Parliament Rachel Thomas to discuss “industry.” All three lobbying efforts were to discuss “industry” which is not surprising considering that Facebook has warned the Liberal government about Bill C-18 and revenue sharing with news publishers.  

On October 21st Facebook’s blog post revealed that they were not invited by the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage to appear as a witness for the study of the Online News Act (Bill C-18). Later on October 28th, the Standing Committee of Canadian Heritage invited Meta to appear and share their position on Bill C-18. Following a heated exchange, Meta emphasized that if the bill passed it could require them to reconsider whether they will continue to share news content on Facebook in Canada. The heritage department did state they are open to revising the bill and that they will continue to meet with the platform.  

Facebook Canada Ltd. Lobbying Summary

Communication DateLobbiedSubject MattersResponsible Officer
2022-10-07  Isabelle Mondou, Deputy Minister Canadian Heritage (PCH)
Owen Ripley, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister (Cultural Affairs) Canadian Heritage (PCH)  
Industry  Garrick Tiplady, Managing Director, Canada
2022-10-19  Simon Kennedy, Deputy Minister Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)  IndustryGarrick Tiplady, Managing Director, Canada
2022-10-21  Rachael Thomas, Member of Parliament (Lethbridge) House of Commons  IndustryGarrick Tiplady, Managing Director, Canada
(Office of the Lobbying Commissioner 2022)

Netflix Services Canada ULC

Netflix has also outlined their concerns regarding Bill C-11, the Online Streaming Act. Netflix in particular has warned the committee that the bill could allow the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to serve Canadians content that they may not be interested in watching. In October, the President Reg Thompson registered communications with various members of the Canadian Heritage Office where “arts and culture, broadcasting and consumer issues” were discussed . Following suit, Thompson registered communications with Senator Paula Simmons regarding the same subject matter.

Netflix Services Canada ULC Lobbying Summary

Communication DateLobbiedSubject MattersResponsible Officer
2022-10-04Paula Simons, Senator Senate of CanadaArts and Culture, Broadcasting, Consumer IssuesReg Thompson, President
2022-10-03  Ron Ahluwalia, Director of Policy Canadian Heritage (PCH)
Matthew Gray, Policy Advisor Canadian Heritage (PCH)
Ashley Michnowski, Director of Communications Canadian Heritage (PCH)  
Arts and Culture, Broadcasting, Consumer Issues  Reg Thompson, President
(Office of the Lobbying Commissioner 2022)

Amazon Canada Fulfillment Services

Amazon Canada Fulfillment Services is a subsidiary of Amazon.com, Amazon.com Sales and Amazon Foreign Holdings. In the last month, AFS has lobbied key offices, including the Canadian Heritage, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunication Commission (CRTC) and Finance Canada–all regarding “broadcasting”. 

As of 2021, Amazon Prime Video has a viewership of 12.2 million in Canada. The increased discussion around Bill C-11 could help explain AFS’ lobbying efforts. Bill C-11 is in the Senate and has passed first reading.

Amazon Canada Fulfillment Services Lobbying Summary

Communication DateLobbiedSubject MattersResponsible Officer
2022-09-26Ron Ahluwalia, Directory of Policy Canadian Heritage (PCH)  
Matthew Gray, Policy Advisor Canadian (PCH)
BroadcastingSumegha Kumar, President
2022 – 09-28Scott Shortliffe, Executive Director I Broadcasting Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)BroadcastingSumegha Kumar, President
2022 – 09-29Anthony Laporte, Director I Strategy and Outreach, Finance Canada (FIN)BroadcastingSumegha Kumar, President
2022-10-27Matthew Gray, Policy Advisor Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage (PCH)BroadcastingSumegha Kumar, President
(Office of the Lobbying Commissioner 2022)

Amazon Web Services  

In comparison, Amazon Web Services is interested in promoting the digital economy and is meeting with multiple departments regarding Amazon Cloud and cloud-based services. In the past month, Amazon has met with several offices regarding privacy and access to information, science, and technology.  

Communication DateLobbiedSubject MattersResponsible Officer
2022-10-05Colin Deacon, Senator Senate of CanadaPrivacy and Access to InformationEric Gales, President
2022-10-05Leo Housakos, Senator Senate of CanadaPrivacy and Access to InformationEric Gales, President
2022-10-05Jaxson Khan, Policy Advisor Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)Privacy and Access to InformationEric Gales, President
2022-10-05Mark Schaan, Senior Assistance Deputy Minister I Strategy and Innovation Policy Sector, Innovation, Science and economic Development Canada (ISED)Science and TechnologyEric Gales, President
2022 – 10 – 28Sony Perron, President Shared Services Canada (SSC)Science and TechnologyEric Gales, President
(Office of the Lobbying Commissioner 2022)

IBM Canada Ltd.  

On October 12th, Dave McCann met with the Ministers of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) and the National Research Council (NRC) to discuss “science and technology.”

On November 10th  IBM announced a new partnership with Net Zero Atlantic –a new member of their IBM Sustainability Accelerator Program. The partners will work to create digital tools to help Indigenous communities in Atlantic Canada make informed decisions regarding energy use, severe weather, and climate change.  

IBM Canada Ltd. Lobbying Summary

Communication DateLobbiedSubject MattersResponsible Officer
2022-10-12Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry House of Commons
Mitch Davies, President National Research Council (NRC)  
Anson Duran, Senior Policy Advisor I Office of the Minister, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)  
Ian Foucher, Chief of Staff Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)  
Science and TechnologyDave McCann, President
(Office of the Lobbying Commissioner 2022)

Microsoft Canada Inc.

Microsoft Canada’s President Chris Barry has registered nine communications over the past month to discuss “privacy and access to information, government procurement, industry, and national security”. Microsoft is not in the news, but they are focused on cybersecurity policy and policies around internet safety. This month they participated in the Government of Canada’s Get Cyber Safe Initiative to provide lessons on how to fight phishing. 

Microsoft Canada Inc. Lobbying Summary

Communication DateLobbiedSubject MattersResponsible Officer
2022-09-29Jaxson Khan, Policy Advisor Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)Privacy and Access to InformationChris Barry, President
2022-09-29Cory Pike, Chief of Staff Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)Government ProcurementChris Barry, President
2022-09-29Scott Jones, Executive Vice President Shared Services Canada (SSC)   Catherine Luelo, Chief Information Officer of Canada Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS)   Sony Perron, President Shared Services Canada (SSC)Government ProcurementChris Barry, President
2022-10-13Brian MacKay, Senior Policy Advisor Canadian Heritage (PCH)IndustryChris Barry, President
2022-10-13Rob Jamieson, Senior Advisor Public SafetyNational Security/ SecurityChris Barry, President
2022-10-20Jaxson Khan, Policy Advisor Innovation, Sicence and Economic Development Canada (ISED)Privacy and Access to InformationChris Barry, President
2022-10-20Mark Schaan, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)Privacy and Access to InformationChris Barry, President
2022-10-20Surdas Mohit, Officer Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)Privacy and Access to InformationChris Barry, President
2022-10-27David McGuinty, Member of Parliament House of CommonsNational Security/SecurityChris Barry, President
(Office of the Lobbying Commissioner 2022)

Oracle Canada

Oracle Canada lobbied the Chief Technology officer Shared Services Canada (SSC) Matt Davies regarding government procurement to seek opportunities related to innovating public service delivery. This meeting took place after the signing of four contracts this past September.

In September, Oracle Canada attained four government contracts with Environment and Climate Change Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, National Film Board, and Shared Services Canada. The listed contracts were related to utility software, storage, telecommunication consults and application software amassing a total cost of 1.4 million.

In the past 12 months, Oracle has lobbied the government on fourteen occasions.  

Communication DateLobbiedSubject MattersResponsible Officer
2022-09-29Matt Davies, Chief Technology Officer Shared Services Canada (SSC)Government ProcurementKevin Tetreault
(Office of the Lobbying Commissioner 2022)

In summary, Google, Netflix and Amazon have increased their October lobbying efforts in broadcasting and media in response to new legislation making its way through Parliament (Figure 2). Outside of registered lobbying communications, Google has also published public statements and commissioned a public opinion survey to gauge public sentiment. Aside from Facebook’s most recent blog post, many of the platforms have not lobbied as frequently nor have employed strategies as grand as Google. Ottawa has mentioned that they are willing to conduct more meetings with platforms, so we should continue to see more activity over the next few months. 

Company Profile: Netflix

By Charnjot Shokar, M.A.

Netflix lobbying in the news

In 2022, Netflix lost over 1 million of its subscribers – the largest drop off since the company began streaming back in 2007. There were many speculations made as to why: market competition, illegal account sharing, price increases, to name a few. In its efforts to ensure future profits, price hikes are not the only tool in Netflix’s arsenal. The streaming giant also dishes out a significant amount of money on lobbying to help shape policies and regulations in ways that favour its own needs. Among eligible telecom and tech corporations, Netflix had the largest percentage increase in spending on lobbying for Q1 of this year compared to 2021. Further, in a strategic effort to shed the stricter regulations that are placed on tech companies, Netflix opted to leave the Internet Association in 2019 (the lobbying association that represented Facebook and Google) and join the Motion Pictures Association, giving them an easier avenue to shape international laws and regulations.

Following the news that Netflix and other digital services would be required to collect GST despite not having a Canadian office, Netflix opted to open up its first corporate office in Toronto in 2021. Netflix’s longtime lack of a Canadian office may have been connected to a tax avoidance strategy, as well as to the fact that the company does not sell other goods or services such as advertising, and has held no contracts over $10,000 with the Canadian federal government. In any case, the opening of a Canadian office was one step in establishing a stronger presence in Canada.

A strong Canadian presence is useful as Netflix is actively lobbying the Canadian government against the regulatory requirements that would be placed upon it through a new Online Streaming Act. It gives its contributions to Canada’s economy, both digitally and through their physical footprint, as reasons why regulations committing it to Canadian content obligations are not necessary.

Who lobbies for Netflix in Canada?

Stéphane Cardin is the Director of Public Policy for Netflix Canada. Prior to joining Netflix, Cardin held multiple senior positions with provincial government agencies and other government-backed organizations. For 8 years, he served as the VP of Industry and Public Affairs for Canada Media Fund, and prior to that, he served 7 years as the Director of Tax Credits with the Société de Développement des Entreprises Culturelles (SODEC) in Quebec. He also had a brief stint (less than 1 year) with the Canadian Audiovisual Certification Office (CAVCO) as a Business Analyst.

After launching its video streaming services in Canada in 2010, Netflix arranged much of its lobbying through a variety of firms including Aird and Berlis LLP, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Proof Strategies (formerly Environics Communications) and more. Many of the lobbyists that Netflix has hired through these firms have held past positions with government agencies, such as Stephen Zolf (Treasury Board), Greg Maceachern (Treasury Board and Department of Fisheries and Oceans), and Christopher McCluskey (Natural Resources Canada, National Defence, and Public Safety Canada).

The table below reflects all of Netflix Canada’s registered lobbyists that have held federal public office.

NamePositionFirmActive/InactivePublic Office Held
Stephen ZolfConsultantAird & Berlis LLPActiveJunior Economist/Analyst, Treasury Board, Office of Regulatory Reform (1983-1984)
Greg MaceachernConsultantProof StrategiesActiveDirector of Communications, Treasury Board, Office of the President (2005-2006), Director, Parliamentary Affairs, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Minister’s Office (2004-2005)
Christopher McCluskeyConsultantProof StrategiesActiveDirector of Communications, Natural Resources Canada, Office of the Minister of Natural Resources (2014-2015, 2012-2014), Chief of Staff (Acting), National Defence, Office of the Associate Minister of National Defence (2012-2012), Director of Communications and Issues Management, National Defence, Office of the Associate Minister of National Defence (2011-2012), Deputy Director of Communications, Public Safety Canada, Office of the Minister of Public Safety (2009-2011)
Leonard St-AubinConsultantLen St-Aubin ConsultingInactiveDirector General Telecommunications Policy, Industry Canada, Telecommunications Policy Branch (2006-2009), Minister Counsellor, Commercial & Economic, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Canadian Embassy, Berlin Germany (2002-2005), Senior Director, Industry Canada, Telecommunications Policy Branch (1999-2006), Director, Business & Regulatory Analysis, Industry Canada, Telecommunications Policy Branch (1995-1999), Senior Policy Analyst, Industry Canada, Telecommunications Policy Branch (1993-1995), Senior Policy Analyst, Federal Provincial Relations Office, Public Affairs (1992-1992), Chief, Trend Analysis/Policy Analyst, Broadcasting Policy Branch, Department of Communications (1986-1991), Chief, Testing Unit, Public Service Commission, Personnel Psychology Centre (1985-1986)
Louis-Charles RoyConsultantProof StrategiesInactiveSpecial Assistant, House of Commons, Leader of the Opposition (2009-2010)
Alex BushellConsultantEnvironics CommunicationsInactiveParliamentary Assistant, House of Commons, Glenn Thibeault MP (2009-2013)
Stephanie GlasConsultantGCI GroupInactiveIntern, Treasury Board Secretariat, Office of the President of the Treasury Board (2008-2008)
Jan SkoraConsultantJan Skora Consulting Services Inc.InactiveAdvisor, Industry Canada, Spectrum Information Technology and Telecommunications (2007-2007), Director General, Industry Canada, Radiocommunications and Broadcasting Regulatory Branch (1990-1994), Director, Department of Communications, Central Region (1985-1989), Regional Director, Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission, Regional Office (1980-1985), Broadcast Engineer, Department of Communications, Regional Office (1976-1980), Cable Television Engineer, Department of Communications, Cable Television Engineering (1974-1976)

What does Netflix lobby about in Canada?

From 2011 to 2022, Netflix has a total of 168 registered lobbying communications with officials at many federal government organizations, such as Canadian Heritage, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, Finance Canada, and Global Affairs Canada, to name a few.

Around 2015, the idea of a “Netflix tax” was gaining a lot of steam, and it would require streaming companies such as Netflix to pay contributions to the production of Canadian content. Around this same time, all the way until Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly’s term ended, completed Access to Information requests reveal that there was a tremendous amount of lobbying done by Netflix with Canadian Heritage. The forms of communication ranged from emails, sit-down meetings in Ottawa, encounters at conferences such as the Canadian Media Producers Association’s Prime Time conference (of which Netflix was a Platinum sponsor), the Banff Media Festival (another Netflix sponsored event) to arranged encounters at cultural events such as a screening of the television show Anne with an E, a CBC-Netflix co-production, at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. Ultimately, there never was a “Netflix tax” imposed.

In May of 2022, Netflix’s Stéphane Cardin made a submission to the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage regarding Bill C-11. The argument being raised by Netflix is that their contributions to the Canadian economy, by way of investing in Canadian online content, establishing offices and production hubs in Toronto and Vancouver, and providing Canadian talent with break-out opportunities, should shield them from facing the same “programming expenditure requirements of Canadian broadcasting groups” and adhering to the “current definitions of Canadian content”.

The table below reflects the specific subject matters, details, and government institutions Netflix is actively lobbying. The table was created using information from the Registry of Lobbyists.

Subject MattersSubject Matter DetailsGovernment Institutions
Arts and Culture
Broadcasting
Consumer Issues
Bill C-10 Section 17 (Provision of Information by the Commission)Canadian Heritage (PCH)
Arts and Culture
Broadcasting
Consumer Issues
Canadian Heritage modernization of the Broadcasting Act; Bill C-11 An Act to enact the Consumer Privacy Protection Act and the Personal Information and Data Protection Tribunal Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other ActsCanadian Heritage (PCH)
Arts and Culture
Broadcasting
Consumer Issues
Telecommunications
Applicable regulations and policies related to the internet and new media. Informing review of Broadcasting Act and Telecommunications Act legislation and regulation.
Regulatory exemptions, legislation, regulation and/or policies affecting providers of content services via the Internet.
Global distribution of content in relation to cultural export policies.
Canadian Heritage (PCH)
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
Finance Canada (FIN)
Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
House of Commons
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)
Senate of Canada

What government institutions does Netflix lobby in Canada?

Netflix has lobbied 8 government institutions to date. A complete list of institutions was created using information from the Lobbying Registry and is provided below.

  • Canadian Heritage (PCH)
  • Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
  • Finance Canada (FIN)
  • Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
  • House of Commons
  • Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and its predecessor Industry Canada
  • Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)
  • Senate of Canada