Bill S-225 explained in plain English
An Act to amend the Copyright Act (remuneration for journalistic works)
Federal Parliament bill summary, status, timeline, sponsor, votes, and official sources.
At a glance
Official Parliament of Canada snapshot for 43rd Parliament, 2nd Session. MP vote breakdowns appear when the House of Commons publishes a recorded division export for that bill. Senate and House stage details include official debate/sitting links when LEGISinfo publishes them.
Our plain-language take, written for civic education.
Source: By PoliticalData.ca
Bill S-225 amends the Copyright Act to give Canadian journalism organizations the right to be paid when their news articles are reproduced or published on large digital platforms designated by the federal government.
Bill S-225 proposes changes to Canada's copyright law to help Canadian news organizations. The bill creates a new right that allows Canadian journalism organizations to receive payment when their news articles, investigations, or commentary are reproduced or published on major digital platforms (like social media or news aggregators). The bill applies only to large digital platform providers that the federal government specifically designates. To qualify for this payment right, a journalism organization must be primarily engaged in producing news content, be based in Canada, and maintain editorial independence in their reporting. The payment right applies to journalistic works for two years after they are first published. However, simple hyperlinks to news articles do not trigger a payment obligation. The payments would be managed through collective societies—organizations that represent groups of copyright owners and handle payments on their behalf. If the journalism organization and the platform provider cannot agree on payment amounts, they can ask Canada's Copyright Board to set the payment levels. The bill also makes technical updates to copyright enforcement rules to include this new payment right alongside existing copyright protections.
- Creates a new right for Canadian journalism organizations to receive remuneration when their journalistic works are reproduced or published on digital platforms owned or controlled by federally designated digital platform providers
- Defines 'Canadian journalism organization' as a corporation, partnership, or trust primarily engaged in producing journalistic works and resident in Canada (or 75% Canadian-owned if a partnership)
- Defines 'journalistic work' as literary or artistic work created by journalists that records, investigates, comments on, or explains public issues or community events while maintaining editorial independence
- Allows the Governor in Council (federal Cabinet) to designate digital platform providers by order that are subject to the remuneration requirement
- Limits the remuneration right to two years after first publication of the journalistic work
- Excludes simple hyperlinks from triggering payment obligations
- Treats freelance journalists who license their work to journalism organizations as if the organization owns the copyright for purposes of receiving payment
- Requires designated digital platform providers to pay royalties to a collective society authorized to collect them
- Allows collective societies to file proposed tariffs with the Copyright Board to establish payment rates
- Allows the Copyright Board to designate a sole collective society to collect all royalties from journalistic works
- Permits collective societies and digital platform providers to negotiate agreements on payment amounts
- Enables the Copyright Board to fix payment rates and terms if negotiations fail
- Updates copyright protection provisions to include protections for the new journalistic work remuneration right
- Canadian journalism organizations (corporations, partnerships, or trusts primarily engaged in producing journalistic works and resident in Canada)
- Journalists who own copyrights in their work and license it to Canadian journalism organizations
- Digital platform providers designated by the Governor in Council (such as social media platforms or news aggregators)
- Collective societies that manage payments on behalf of journalism organizations
- Canada's Copyright Board (which may set payment rates and designate collective societies)
- Users of designated digital platforms (who may be indirectly affected by payment obligations imposed on platforms)
- Canadian journalism organizations have the right to remuneration when their journalistic works are reproduced or published on digital platforms owned or controlled by designated digital platform providers
- Designated digital platform providers are obligated to pay royalties to authorized collective societies for reproduced or published journalistic works
- Collective societies are authorized to collect and manage royalties on behalf of journalism organizations
- The remuneration right subsists for two years after first publication of the journalistic work
- Designated digital platform providers and collective societies may negotiate payment agreements
- Either party may apply to the Copyright Board to fix payment rates if negotiation fails
- No person may knowingly remove or alter rights management information related to journalistic works without consent
- Commercial removal or alteration of rights management information related to journalistic works is a criminal offence
- The remuneration right applies for two years after the calendar year in which the journalistic work is first published (section 26.4)
- Designated digital platform providers will be required to pay royalties to collective societies for journalistic works
- Canadian journalism organizations will receive remuneration payments for their journalistic works used on designated digital platforms
- The specific amounts of royalties are not set in the bill itself; they are to be determined through negotiation or by the Copyright Board
- Knowingly removing or altering rights management information without consent is prohibited under section 41.22(1)
- For commercial purposes, knowingly removing or altering rights management information related to journalistic works is a criminal offence under section 42(3.2)
- The Copyright Board may designate a collective society to exclusively collect royalties and may set payment rates if parties cannot agree (sections 67.1 and 71)
- The bill text does not specify which digital platform providers will be designated by the Governor in Council—this will be determined by future orders
- The specific amounts of royalties are not set in the bill; they will be determined through negotiation between collective societies and platform providers, or by the Copyright Board
- The bill does not define the scope of 'digital platform' in exhaustive detail (though it provides a definition)
- It is unclear how disputes about whether a work qualifies as a 'journalistic work' will be resolved in practice
- The bill does not specify the criteria the Copyright Board should use when setting royalty rates
- The term 'maintained editorial independence from the subjects of those discussions' in the definition of journalistic work is not further defined and could be subject to interpretation
The definition is expanded to clarify that collective societies can administer the new remuneration right for journalistic works in addition to existing copyright rights
Source: Clause 1
The title of Part II is changed to include reference to the new right to remuneration for journalistic works
Source: Clause 2
Four new sections are added to establish definitions (Canadian journalism organization, digital platform, journalistic work), allow the Governor in Council to designate digital platform providers, create the remuneration right, and set its two-year term
Source: Clause 3
The definition is updated to clarify that technological protection measures can restrict acts that trigger payment obligations under the new journalistic work remuneration right
Source: Clause 4
The provision is updated to make it illegal to remove or alter rights management information if it would interfere with the new journalistic work remuneration right
Source: Clause 5
Criminal offence provisions are updated to include violations related to the new journalistic work remuneration right
Source: Clause 6
Collective societies are authorized to file tariff proposals and negotiate agreements to establish payment rates for the new journalistic work remuneration right
Source: Clause 7
The Copyright Board may designate a single collective society as the sole authorized collector of royalties for journalistic works
Source: Clause 8
The Copyright Board's power to set payment rates and terms is expanded to apply to the new journalistic work remuneration right
Source: Clause 9
Generated using AI from official bill text. Not legal advice. It is written by PoliticalData.ca for civic education, automatically checked and spot-reviewed before publishing.
Official textParliamentary Process
Bill S-225, concerning remuneration for journalistic works, completed its first reading in the Senate on February 17, 2021, and has since progressed through second reading and committee consideration.
This artifact summarizes the procedural steps taken for Bill S-225 in the Senate. The bill completed its first reading on February 17, 2021. It then proceeded to second reading on May 6, 2021, with major speeches occurring on May 25, 2021. Following second reading, the bill was referred to a committee on May 25, 2021, and committee meetings took place on June 2, 9, and 16, 2021. The bill is currently at the stage of consideration in committee in the Senate. This artifact does not contain the full text of the bill or details about its potential legal effects.
The Senate formally introduced Bill S-225 at its first reading and engaged in debates on other legislative and policy matters.
On February 17, 2021, the Senate officially received Bill S-225, An Act to amend the Copyright Act (remuneration for journalistic works). This occurred during the Senate's first reading stage. The record also includes debates and discussions on various other matters, including the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, human rights in Myanmar, firearms legislation (Bill C-21 and Bill C-71), Indigenous health care legislation, and extensive debate on Bill C-7 regarding medical assistance in dying.
Bill S-225, concerning remuneration for journalistic works, completed its second reading in the Senate on May 25, 2021, and was subsequently sent to a committee for further review.
The Senate completed the second reading stage of Bill S-225 on May 25, 2021. Following this stage, the bill was referred to a committee for further consideration. The records show speeches were made by Senator Claude Carignan on May 6, 2021, and by Senator Paula Simons on May 25, 2021, during the second reading process.
In the Senate on May 6, 2021, the second reading debate for Bill S-225, concerning remuneration for journalistic works under the Copyright Act, began, alongside other legislative business and procedural discussions.
During this Senate sitting on May 6, 2021, the primary legislative activity related to Bill S-225, An Act to amend the Copyright Act (remuneration for journalistic works), was the commencement of the second reading debate. This stage allows Senators to discuss the principles and general intent of the bill. The debate record indicates that a point of order was raised and the Speaker reserved their ruling on it. Following this, the sitting proceeded with other items, including debates on various other bills and inquiries, question period, and procedural matters such as the adjournment of the Senate.
On May 6, 2021, the Senate debated various issues including COVID-19 responses, human rights, and legislative matters, passing several bills while continuing debate on others.
This Senate debate record from May 6, 2021, covers various topics, including congratulations to Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard, discussions on Asian Heritage Month, vaccine hesitancy, freedom of expression, and tributes to Claude B. Gingras and France Geoffroy. The Senate also addressed several bills: Bill C-228 (Reduction of Recidivism Framework Bill) received first reading. Questions were raised about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, pandemic supplies, international aid, vaccine patents, anti-Asian racism, the mandate of Louise Arbour, allegations against General Vance, the position of Governor General, the federal vaccine injury support program, access to safe drinking water, and compensation for dairy farmers. A point of order regarding Senate rules was raised by Senator Plett concerning Senator Dalphond. The Senate debated and voted on amendments to Bill C-3 (Judges Act and Criminal Code), ultimately passing it at third reading. Debate on Bill S-4 (Parliament of Canada Act amendments) and Bill S-222 (Income Tax Act amendments) continued. Bill S-204 (trafficking in human organs) and Bill S-205 (Parliament of Canada Act - Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate) were passed at third reading. Bill S-211 (International Mother Language Day) was read second time and referred to committee. Debate on Bill S-225 (Copyright Act - remuneration for journalistic works) at second reading began. Delayed answers to oral questions regarding mandatory quarantine and funding for UNRWA were also provided. Finally, the Senate adjourned until May 25, 2021.
On May 25, 2021, the Senate debated Bill S-225 regarding remuneration for journalistic works and addressed various other legislative and procedural matters.
The Senate sat on May 25, 2021. The sitting included routine proceedings, question period, and orders of the day. Several bills were introduced or debated at the second reading stage, including a bill to amend the Copyright Act (Bill S-225). The debate on Bill S-225, concerning remuneration for journalistic works, was a significant portion of the proceedings. Senators also discussed various other matters, such as the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, liquefied natural gas projects, and issues related to anti-Semitism and racial discrimination. The Senate also addressed procedural matters and made decisions on motions.
During the Senate's second reading debate on Bill S-225, Senator Paula Simons, the bill's critic, argued that while the bill addresses the financial crisis in journalism, its proposed solution based on copyright remuneration for journalistic works is flawed and may not effectively help the industry, urging further study.
This Senate debate on May 25, 2021, focused on the second reading of Bill S-225, an Act to amend the Copyright Act concerning remuneration for journalistic works. Senator Paula Simons, the bill's critic, acknowledged the urgent need to address the financial crisis in Canadian journalism but argued that Bill S-225, modeled on European legislation, was not the right solution. She explained the collapse of the newspaper industry's advertising revenue model due to digital platforms and expressed concerns that the bill might unintentionally weaken existing copyright protections for journalists and publishers. She highlighted that the bill's limited scope and the rarity of the conditions under which remuneration would be paid would not adequately replace lost revenues. Senator Simons also raised questions about defining 'journalistic works' and 'substantial part' and whether the bill would unfairly benefit large media companies while potentially harming freelancers and new media startups. Despite these criticisms, she acknowledged the bill's potential to prompt discussions and urged sending it to committee for further study. Senator Julie Miville-DechĂŞne shared insights about a recent Facebook deal with Canadian publishers, questioning if such agreements could address the issue without legislation. Other senators spoke on various unrelated bills and matters.
Bill S-225 was undergoing consideration in a Senate committee, with meetings held in June 2021, following its referral and second reading.
This artifact describes the procedural status of Bill S-225 in the Senate as of June 16, 2021. The bill had been referred to a committee for consideration, with committee meetings held on June 2, June 9, and June 16, 2021. The stage of 'Consideration in committee' was not yet completed. The artifact also notes the bill's first reading on February 17, 2021, and second reading on May 6, 2021, including a sponsor's speech on that date and a response speech on May 25, 2021.
Bill S-225 has reached the Senate Report stage, which has not yet commenced, following committee deliberations.
This artifact indicates that Bill S-225 has reached the Senate Report stage, but this stage has not yet begun. The bill was referred to committee on Tuesday, May 25, 2021. Key activities shown include the First Reading on Wednesday, February 17, 2021, and Second Reading on Thursday, May 6, 2021, which included a speech from the sponsor, Senator Claude Carignan. A response speech was given by Senator Paula Simons on Tuesday, May 25, 2021. The bill was considered in committee on June 2, June 9, and June 16, 2021. The current status is 'At consideration in committee in the Senate'.
Bill S-225 has reached the Third Reading stage in the Senate, but this stage has not yet occurred, with the latest recorded action being its referral to committee.
This artifact describes the stage of Bill S-225 in the Senate process. The bill has reached the stage of 'Senate Third reading', but this stage has not yet been reached or completed. The latest activity shown is the bill being referred to a committee on May 25, 2021. Previous steps include First Reading on February 17, 2021, and Second Reading on May 6, 2021. The record also notes committee meetings held on June 2, June 9, and June 16, 2021, and speeches given by Senator Claude Carignan and Senator Paula Simons.
Bill S-225, concerning remuneration for journalistic works, had its first reading in the House of Commons on February 17, 2021, but its current procedural status is in committee in the Senate.
This artifact describes the procedural steps for Bill S-225 in the House of Commons, specifically its first reading. It notes that the bill originated in the Senate and has since moved to committee stage there. The House of Commons first reading occurred on Wednesday, February 17, 2021, but this step has not yet been reached in the current status of the bill.
Bill S-225, concerning remuneration for journalistic works, has progressed through first reading in the House of Commons and second reading and committee consideration in the Senate, but has not yet reached the second reading stage in the House of Commons.
This artifact describes the progress of Bill S-225 through the House of Commons and Senate. The bill has not yet reached the 'House of Commons Second reading' stage. It was first read in the House of Commons on Wednesday, February 17, 2021. Second reading speeches were made in the Senate on Thursday, May 6, 2021, and Tuesday, May 25, 2021. The bill was then referred to a Senate committee on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, and committee consideration occurred on Wednesday, June 2, 9, and 16, 2021. The bill is currently at the 'consideration in committee in the Senate' stage. The source text does not specify what the bill does, who is affected, or any laws it impacts.
Bill S-225 has proceeded to the 'Consideration in committee' stage in the House of Commons, with past readings and speeches in the Senate noted.
This artifact details the procedural steps for Bill S-225 in the House of Commons. The bill has reached the stage of 'Consideration in committee' but this stage has not yet been reached. The artifact lists dates for potential committee meetings and indicates previous steps such as First and Second Reading, along with the dates and sponsors of key speeches during the Senate's Second Reading.
Bill S-225 has not yet reached the Report Stage in the House of Commons and is currently under consideration in a Senate committee.
This artifact describes the procedural status of Bill S-225 in the House of Commons. It indicates that the bill has not yet reached the Report Stage in the House of Commons. The bill was last referred to a committee in the Senate on May 25, 2021. The artifact lists dates for first reading, second reading, and committee consideration in the Senate, along with the names of senators who made speeches at the second reading stage.
Bill S-225 has not yet reached the Third reading stage in the House of Commons, and is currently under consideration by a Senate committee.
This record indicates that Bill S-225 has not yet reached the Third reading stage in the House of Commons. The bill's current status is 'At consideration in committee in the Senate'. The artifact details the progression of the bill through its initial stages, including First reading, Second reading, and referral to committee in the Senate, along with the dates these events occurred.
Debate and sitting links point to official parliamentary sources when LEGISinfo publishes them. Any plain-language discussion summaries should be generated from those official texts and reviewed before public display.
Vote Summary
This bill is still active. We only show vote counts after the legislature publishes a recorded division.
No published representative vote breakdown
This bill is still moving through the process. When a recorded division is published, representative positions can be listed here.
Official sources
Status, sponsor, votes, and timeline on this page are drawn from these official legislative sources and public records. Each summary above is attributed to its own source.
How this data is sourced