Liberals looking at extending journalism labour credit to radio, television

The federal government will consult with Canadians and stakeholders on whether it should extend its journalism labour tax credit to audio and audiovisual news production, according to the spring economic update. The program is a refundable 35 per cent tax credit for the total qualifying labour expenditure incurred by a newsroom for each of its eligible employees. Prior to 2023, the rate was 25 per cent, and will return to 25 per cent in 2027. However, for a newsroom’s employees to qualify, they must spend “at least 75 of their time engaged in the production of original written news content,” meaning broadcasters are excluded. The economic update, released on April 28, was made public just hours after Kevin Desjardins, president of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB), urged the House heritage committee to extend the tax credit to news broadcasters. “We think that it is a matter of basic fairness the Government of Canada to rethink the journalism labour tax credit,” Desjardins told MPs. “Its current application exclusively to print media fails to recognize the reality of news media in Canada.” Desjardins added many news outlets no longer produce either exclusively written or audiovisual content, and the application of the credit does not reflect the current media ecosystem. “Whatever their origins as an outlet, many print media typically also provide audio and video content now, and broadcasters create text-based news content through their websites and portals,” he said. When asked by Bloc MP Martin Champoux (Drummond, Que.) what his reaction would be if no support measures were announced in the economic update, Desjardins said he worries it would send a message to certain CAB members that support is not coming. “I hope to see something in there,” he said in French. “I think we have been pushing for it for a long time. Speaking for us and our members, to at least have a bit of progress would be greatly appreciated.” Following the update's release, Desjardins released a statement saying the move indicated a strong government "commitment to broadcast journalism in communities across Canada." “We believe this is an important step forward to support fact-based broadcast news, and to keep journalists in Canadian newsrooms," he said. The economic update acknowledged that “broadcast journalism in particular is a key part of our community fabric.” “Supporting the important work of journalists is crucial in our democratic system, ensuring accountability and a well-informed public, especially during a period of global uncertainty,” it read. No details were provided on the timeline or consultation process, but the update said more details will be released on the Department of Finance website. mcollins@thewirereport.ca

Liberals looking at extending journalism labour credit to radio, television

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By Maria Collins
|April 29, 2026

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Liberals looking at extending journalism labour credit to radio, television

Broadcast | By Maria Collins |April 29, 2026

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