The federal and Quebec governments are suspending all advertising on Meta – including Facebook and Instagram – over the company’s plans to block Canadian news on its platforms in response to Ottawa’s Online News Act.
The Liberal Party said Wednesday that it plans to keep advertising on Facebook and Instagram. Mr. Trudeau left open the possibility of a change when asked why the Liberal government’s policy was not aligned with that of the Liberal Party. Meta had previously said it will block access to Canadian news and the minister said the company has not expressed interest in finding a solution through regulations.
Parker Lund, a spokesperson for the Liberal Party, told The Globe Wednesday that the party is not changing its policy.Mr. Trudeau, who is both Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party, was asked several times by reporters to comment on the party’s position. He said many companies have taken “an important step” over the past 24 hours to suspend advertising with Meta.
Caitlin Clark, a spokesperson for Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s office, said the province is not suspending its advertising with Meta.