U.S. State Department targets Online News Act in human rights report
The bill, which requires Meta and Google to compensate news publishers for the use of their content, is cited in a section of the report on freedom of the press.
Prime Minister Mark Carney indicated last week he is open to repealing the legislation.
While Meta pulled news from its platforms in response to the 2023 law, news outlets are now receiving payments from a $100 million Google fund.
Carney killed a digital services tax that would have applied to many large U.S. tech companies after U.S. President Donald Trump halted trade negotiations with Canada over the tax.
Last week, a group of U.S. Republicans urged the Trump administration to push Canada to kill a separate bill that forces large streaming companies like Netflix and Amazon to make financial contributions to Canadian content and news.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 14, 2025.
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About FuelPositive: Building the Future of Farming Now FuelPositive is a Canadian clean-tech company transforming agriculture through decentralized, on-farm Green Ammonia production systems. By enabling farmers to generate their own green nitrogen fertilizer and carbon-free fuel on site, the Company is redefining the ammonia industry and putting control directly into the hands of those who feed the world. This model reduces reliance on volatile supply chains and unpredictable pricing, helping farmers secure their livelihoods and plan for the future. Each tonne of ammonia produced by a FuelPositive system prevents up to two tonnes of CO₂e emissions, offering both environmental and economic advantages. Designed for simplicity, dependability, and remote monitoring, the Company's containerized systems effortlessly integrate into farm operations. Made in Canada for Canadian conditions, they are engineered to be as straightforward to operate as they are impactful. 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Vancouver Sun
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From hotels, to wine and candy: Canada spent $170K to bring back women who joined Islamic State
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By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'With Canadians lining up in food banks in record numbers and struggling with housing costs, the Liberal government must answer for why they spent $170,000 on lavish costs to repatriate reported ISIS criminals,' the letter reportedly says. The Conservative party did not respond by press time to National Post's request for comment. The first round of repatriations, completed in October 2022, cost $10,863, according to the documents from Global Affairs Canada. Canadians Kimberly Polman and Oumaima Chouay were returned to the country in that operation. Polman is facing terrorism charges and Chouay pleaded guilty last month to one charge of participating in the activities of a terrorist group . 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Winnipeg Free Press
21 minutes ago
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‘The same country': Canada often seen as extension of U.S., Indo-Pacific experts say
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According to someone researchers quoted as 'a key respondent from South Korea,' Canada is 'slow-moving and resistant to change.' Another Korean expert told Ipsos Canada lacks prominent manufacturers and suggested 'the best-known Canadian product is probably ice wine.' Despite Canadian officials citing the decades-long footprint in the region of Canadian companies such as Manulife — which has offered insurance services in the Philippines since 1901 — the reported noted 'limited awareness of Canadian brands in the Philippines.' An expert in Australia told Ipsos that Canada is 'just not on our radar screen at all … like almost people have forgotten about it.' A Korean expert said 'the Canadian embassy has seemed comparatively passive' compared to Australian and New Zealand counterparts. The report warns Canada's 'limited on-the-ground visibility' makes it less likely to be seen as a partner of choice in the region. 'Several experts pointed to Canada's lack of strategic communication, limited embassy presence, and minimal economic and military footprint in the region as factors hindering its engagement with the region,' the report says. As for the strategy itself, experts quoted in the report recommended a publicity campaign — most of them said they'd never heard of the strategy before. Many suggested the strategy document was 'a starting point for enhanced regional involvement,' while some said it echoed what other countries already outlined in their own strategies. 'Some experts noted that the strategy relied heavily on widely accepted diplomatic principles without clearly articulating Canada's unique impact,' the report notes. 'The (Indo-Pacific strategy) is seen as well-intentioned but somewhat generic, echoing similar frameworks already introduced by others. At worst, the (strategy) risks being seen as 'preachy' or as being of limited relevance.' The researchers did find support for Canada playing a more prominent role, particularly 'as a bridge-builder among competing powers.' The report says most of the region is undertaking a 'delicate balancing' act in response to the growing rivalry between Washington and Beijing. 'Some regional experts saw an opportunity for Canada to evolve its positioning and demonstrate greater strategic independence from the U.S.,' the report says. 'There was an expectation for Canada to build on its legacy as a principled and constructive partner while balancing humility with ambition that matches the resources and capabilities at its disposal.' Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. The report says there is 'significant room for growth' in security collaboration on things like cybersecurity, and in investments in regional think tanks. Canada should 'consider joining' a security partnership with Australia, India, Japan and the U.S. known as the Quad, the report says. In trade, the report finds a deep desire for 'joint ventures to provide opportunities for innovation,' particularly in areas that will improve the lives of the average citizen, such as 'critical minerals, clean energy, agri-food, and digital technologies.' Ottawa this week named a high commissioner for Fiji, 32 months after promising to open a full diplomatic mission in the Polynesian country. 'While the exact timing of the high commissioner's arrival in Fiji is to be determined, Global Affairs Canada has started to deploy diplomatic staff in preparation for the opening of a full diplomatic mission,' said department spokeswoman Clémence Grevey. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 15, 2025.
