Media

TORONTO—Unifor applauds the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)'s decision to proceed with developing rules that will ensure Canadian programming is available and visible on online streaming services. At the same time, the union is also calling on the federal government to also immediately move ahead with implementing the contributions requirements for digital streamers.

The Commission’s decisive move comes after the issue played a significant role in ending trade talks with the U.S.

TORONTO—Unifor is denouncing the federal government's reported decision to eliminate contribution requirements for American streaming services under the Online Streaming Act, calling it a crushing blow to Canadian media workers, local news and Canada's cultural sovereignty.

TORONTO— Unifor is condemning the latest round of layoffs at Corus Entertainment, saying the dozens of job cuts are the latest sign of a broadcasting sector under mounting pressure from media consolidation, delayed government action, and financial uncertainty.

"This is a domino effect of policy failures and corporate decisions that have steadily weakened local journalism and now, media workers are paying for it," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

TORONTO— Unifor is condemning Rogers Sports and Media’s decision to eliminate 230 positions across its media operations, including layoffs affecting dozens of Unifor members who produce trusted, fact-based local broadcast news and programming for communities across Canada.

"These layoffs are another devastating blow to Canada's already fragile news industry," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

The Right Honourable Mark Carney
Prime Minister of Canada
The Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture

RE: Standing Up for Journalism and Local News

Dear Prime Minister Carney and Minister Miller,

I am writing to express Unifor’s deep concern regarding your government’s recent decision to reverse measures associated with the Online Streaming Act (OSA), particularly those relating to financial contribution requirements for U.S.-based streaming companies.

Dear Carrie,

Congratulations on being named Journalist of the Year at this year’s National Newspaper Awards.

It is a deeply deserved honour, not only because of the extraordinary impact of your reporting, but because of the courage and discipline with which you carried it out.

Your year-long work on Alberta’s health spending scandal stood apart as a model of investigative doggedness and dedication to uncovering the truth.

On World Press Freedom Day, marked each year on May 3, Unifor is calling for urgent action to protect press freedom, strengthen local journalism, and ensure the safety and independence of media workers in Canada and globally.

World Press Freedom Day, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in in 1993, underscores the essential role of a free press in sustaining democracy and holding power to account.

Dear Brendan, 

On behalf of Unifor, I want to extend my sincere congratulations on your 2026 Hillman Prize Award.

Your reporting on the abuses at Maplehurst Correctional Complex stands as a powerful example of journalism in the public interest and the ability to remain tenacious when shut down by government roadblocks. 

Unifor Media Director Randy Kitt and Friends of Canadian Media Executive Director Raj Shoan warned the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage on March 10, 2026, that the collapse of local news outlets is creating a growing democratic deficit, calling for stronger enforcement of media laws, expanded tax credits and protections for journalism in the age of AI.

Unifor is pleased to welcome 90 workers at Bell Media across the country, who work on the CTV National News, CTV News Channel, and CTVnews.ca.

“We are thrilled to welcome these talented journalists and media workers to our union,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

“This comes at a time when our country and the world face so much political and economic uncertainty. A more robust media sector is the cornerstone of democracy that we need now more than ever.”