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Brian MacKay

Director of Policy & Stakeholder Engagement, Canadian Heritage (PCH)200 communications in the past year

Lobbied by

News Media Canada

94

Ensure retailer flyer printing and distribution in Canada remains competitive. At a time when the news publishing industry is facing soaring costs due to inflation, advertising competition from foreign Big Tech giants, and the theft of journalistic content by AI companies, ensure Canada Post offers community newspaper publishers the same rates and level of service they are offering to the dominant commercial printer in Canada. Ensure there is healthy competition in the flyer printing and distribution markets across Canada. Amend the definition of a Qualified Canadian Journalism organization (QCJO), requiring that an organization regularly employ two or more journalists to include: journalists who do not deal at arm’s length with the organization. This would generally include owners/partners who actively pursue, research, analyze, explain, edit, format, design, write or report the news, or select, plan, or assign work, in accordance with journalistic processes and principles. They would work, on average, a minimum of 26 hours per week and spend at least 75% of their time engaged in the production of original written news content, including researching, collecting information, verifying facts, photographing, writing, editing, designing and otherwise preparing content. To halt the theft of copyright protected news content, Public Services and Procurement Canada and Treasury Board should ensure those on the government’s list of interested artificial intelligence suppliers sign a "supplier commitment to support the Government of Canada’s effort in leading the way on ethical AI” that includes a commitment to the principles of transparency, consent, and attribution with respect to all copyright-protected source content. Ensure that the Online News Act continues and that funding is distributed in accordance with the Act and its Regulations. Ensure social media services covered by the Online News Act do not allow publisher content to be reproduced (screen shots, copied text, etc.) without providing compensation to news businesses. Protect intellectual property by preventing LLMs from scraping journalistic content. Ensure search engines cannot abuse their dominant position by de-indexing Canadian news sites if publishers block their AI bots from crawling our protected content without consent, credit, and compensation. Ensure any policy changes to the Aid to Publishers component of the Canadian Periodical Fund take into account the importance of the program, especially to smaller rural community newspapers. Align the Government of Canada advertising policy with the Government of Canada's "Buy Canadian Policy" by directing the Agency of Record to ensure a minimum of 25% of the Government of Canada domestic advertising budget to Canadian private sector news businesses. Ensure Canada Post continues to perform its vital role deliver community newspapers to Canadians. Have Canada Post return to the long-standing policy of exempting community newspapers with commercial inserts (e.g., flyers from local hardware and grocery franchisees) from the Consumers’ Choice program. Community newspapers with commercial inserts are not ‘junk mail’. Ensure that the Copyright Act is not modified through an exception permitting Text and Data Mining (TDM) allowing AI companies to use Canadian news publishers' protected works to train generative AI systems without consent, credit, or compensation. For transparency and to facilitate verification of eligible news publishers under the Online News Act, make the list of Qualified Canadian Journalism Organizations public. Keep advertising in dollars in Canada by closing the loophole in Section 19 of the Income Tax Act that allows for the deductibility of foreign internet advertising. Maintaining the Canadian Journalism Labour Tax Credit at 35%. Abuse of dominance and anti?competitive business practices related to online search, search advertising and display advertising services in Canada. Extending the Local Journali

Change to Canada Post's Consumers' Choice program, which is harming community newspapers. Tax measures related to journalism labour and advertising. Governor in Council and CRTC regulations related to An "Act respecting online communications platforms that make news content available to persons in Canada" (C-18, the Online News Act) Fairness in federal advertising expenditures and placement. Extending the Local Journalism Initiative. Eliminating commercial advertising, including branded content, associated with CBC/Radio-Canada’s news and public affairs properties. Copyright Act, with respect to copyrights and remuneration rights for news media organizations Anti?competitive business practices related to online search, search advertising and display advertising services in Canada. Abuse of dominance and blocking Canadian user access to trusted news sources.

Counsel Public Affairs

Google Canada

43

Communicating with government officials about the proposed Safe Social Media Act (Bill C-34) as it relates to reducing the harms to children and their access to online content. Communicating with government officials about artificial intelligence (AI), including about (i) the potential regulation of AI by government, (ii) potential uses for AI in government, (iii) investments in AI by government, including via the AI Compute Access Fund, (iv) technological developments related to AI, (v) the promotion of AI literacy, training and skills development and (vi) the development, implementation and amendment of AI policies, including but not limited to the “Canadian Guardrails for Generative AI – Code of Practice”, the “Voluntary Code of Conduct on the Responsible Development and Management of Advanced Generative AI Systems” and the “Canadian AI Sovereign Compute Strategy. Communicating with government officials about the Online Harms Act (formerly Bill C-63), more specifically about the regulation of online content. Communicating with government officials about the Digital Charter Implementation Act, 2022 (formerly Bill C-27), more specifically the creation of the Consumer Privacy Protection Act, the Personal Information and Data Protection Tribunal Act, and the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act. Communicating with government officials about the proposed Supporting Authorized Access to Information Act (Bill C-22) as it relates to the timely production of data and information. Communicating with government officials about the proposed Protecting Victims Act (Bill C-16) as it relates to youth safety online. Communicating with government officials, in general, about opportunities and challenges facing the creator economy, including as it relates to skills training, content creation and economic conditions. Communicating with government officials about the design and implementation of the National Anti-Fraud Strategy (announced in November 2025). Communicating with government officials about Bill S-209 (“An Act to restrict young persons’ online access to pornographic material”), including as it relates to the enactment of the Protecting Young Persons from Exposure to Pornography Act. Communicating with government officials about Bill C-8 (“An Act respecting cyber security, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts”), including as it relates to the amendment of the Telecommunications Act, S.C. 1993, c. 38, and the enactment of Critical Cyber Systems Protection Act. Communicating with government officials about industry and government efforts to promote online safety including but not limited to (i) combatting misinformation and disinformation, (ii) ensuring child safety, (iii) reducing online scams and fraudulent activity, (iv) minimizing online spam and (v) removing harmful online content. Communicating with government officials about proposed and existing youth privacy and age assurance measures, including the potential establishment of a youth privacy code. These communications may touch on, but are not limited to, the consultation launched by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. Communicating with government officials about existing and proposed credit counselling regulations under the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada Act, S.C. 2001, c. 9 and the Bank Act, S.C. 1991, c. 46. Communicating with government officials, in general, about digital sovereignty. Communicating with government officials about "An Act to restrict young persons’ online access to sexually explicit material" (formerly in Bill S-210). Communicating with government officials about "An Act to enact the Protection of Minors in the Digital Age Act and to amend the Criminal Code" (formerly Bill C-412), more specifically about the regulation of online content. Communicating with government officials about "An Act respecting the interoperability of health information technology and to prohibit data blocking by

Canadian Association of Broadcasters

25

Spring Economic Update and Budget 2026 - Tax Deductibility of Advertising on Foreign Digital Platforms, Extension of the journalism labour tax credit to broadcast newsrooms, government advertising spending. Amending the Food and Drugs Act (prohibition of food and beverage marketing directed at children); presenting various considerations to reflect the reality of advertising in Canada. The Online News Act. Implementation of the legislation on the remuneration of broadcast news publishers for redistribution of their content through online platforms. Safety Code 6 - Presentations on the regulatory updates on broadcasters transmission sites, especially for AM Radio Proposed national framework on advertising for sports betting. Providing perspective on the broadcasting sector's current approach to sports betting advertising. Online Streaming Act - Implementation of the legislation to include foreign streaming services in Canada's regulated broadcasting sector. CRTC Radio Regulations - Discussions on process of renewing the regulatory regime for radio broadcasters.

Renewal of the National Public Alerting Service, and its impact on broadcasters as last mile distributors. Lowering the administrative burden of CRTC regulatory processes on radio and television broadcasters through the elimination or rationalization of reporting requirements. Seeking short-term bridge funding for recipients of the Independent Local News Fund in view of ongoing legal delays in the distributions of funds from foreign online TV and audio streamers. S-211 - An Act respecting a national framework on sports betting advertising. Providing further context and background to MPs on this proposed legislation, including the current state of sports betting advertising. Also raising issues with federal involvement in areas of provincial jurisdiction. Spring Economic Update and Budget 2026 - Tax Deductibility of Advertising on Foreign Digital Platforms, Extension of the journalism labour tax credit to broadcast newsrooms, government advertising spending. Online Streaming Act - Implementation of the legislation to include foreign streaming services in Canada's regulated broadcasting sector. The Online News Act. Implementation of the legislation on the remuneration of broadcast news publishers for redistribution of their content through online platforms. S-269 - An Act respecting a national framework on advertising for sports betting. Providing perspective on the broadcasting sector's current approach to sports betting advertising. Bill S-210 - An Act to restrict young persons’ online access to sexually explicit material. Providing input on potential unforeseen impacts on Canadian broadcasters, including possible requirements for age-gating of legitimate digital entertainment portals. Safety Code 6 - Presentations on the regulatory updates on broadcasters transmission sites, especially for AM Radio CRTC Radio Regulations - Discussions on process of renewing the regulatory regime for radio broadcasters. Bill C-252 An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (prohibition of food and beverage marketing directed at children). Presenting various potential amendments to the legislation to reflect the reality of advertising in Canada.

Compass Rose

Canadian Media Producers Association

16

Seeking to ensure the interests of Canada’s independent producers are considered in any artificial intelligence (AI) policies or regulations, including the National AI Strategy. Seeking to ensure the interests of Canada’s independent producers are considered in any amendments to the Broadcasting Act, Telecommunications Act, Online Streaming Act or Copyright Act. Seeking to ensure that producers are able to receive labour market opinions in a timely manner Seeking to ensure that appropriate Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) in the film and television industry are exempt from the 4-year cap on working in Canada as provided in the Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. Seeking the creation of new private investment incentives through modifications to the Income Tax Act or other appropriate legislation Seeking CRTC-mandated contributions by internet service providers, wireless service providers, and online broadcasters to the creation and presentation of Canadian programming from the independent production sector Request funding for the creation of a mentorship program aimed at developing skill sets and acquiring work experience in the film, television and interactive media industry. Participation in Creative Export Canada via the Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion Participating in guideline consultations for all programs administered by Telefilm Canada Funding from Canadian Heritage for the production of annual research report "Profile: An Economic Report on the Canadian Film and Television Industry" Department of Canadian Heritage co-production policy with regard to international production treaties CRTC Canadian program certification relating to criteria used to determine Canadian content of productions Canadian Audio-Visual Certification - relating to criteria for obtaining CAVCO certification of a production Canada Income Tax Act relating to Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit program and to Film or Video Production Services Tax Credit Program Broadcasting regulations, including regulations related to Canadian programming. Broadcasting polices, including policies related to Canadian programming expenditures, digital media, and independently-produced programming.

Canadian Music Publishers Association operating as Music Publishers Canada

15

Renewal in Budget Implementation Act of funding for the Canada Music Fund to allow music publishers to build on success and compete globally Renewal in Budget Implementation Act for funding to Heritage and Global Affairs related to international trade for creative industries Participate in the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Legislative Review as it relates to musical works. Federal government’s innovation agenda as it relates to how the culture sector can address digital changes, AI and global competitiveness concerning existing or new legislation Amendments to the Copyright Act when it comes up for statutory review as it relates to musical works. Agreement between Canada, the United States of America and the United Mexican States - Copyright

Renewal in Budget Implementation Act of funding for the Canada Music Fund to allow music publishers to build on success and compete globally Renewal in Budget Implementation Act for funding to Heritage and Global Affairs related to international trade for creative industries Participate in the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Legislative Review as it relates to musical works. Federal government’s innovation agenda as it relates to how the culture sector can address digital changes, AI and global competitiveness concerning existing or new legislation Amendments to the Copyright Act when it comes up for statutory review as it relates to musical works.

Compass Rose Group

Association of Canadian Publishers

14

Operating grant, contributions to projects in technology development, research, marketing, professional development Lobbying to amend the Copyright Modernization Act. Amend the section (old section 21) to limit fair dealing exemption for education. Increase funding to the Canada Book Fund and maintain all other programs that support writing and publishing in Canada.

Amendments to the Copyright Modernization Act. Amending sections (old section 21) to limit fair dealing exemption for education. Increase the Canada Book Fund (CBF) from its current level of $38.4 million per year to $58.4 million Maintain Funding for all programs that support writing and publishing in Canada Promote Canadian ownership in publishing through the evaluation of the exceptions made to the Revised Foreign Investment Policy in Book Publishing and Distribution

Promote Canadian ownership in publishing through the evaluation of the exceptions made to the Revised Foreign Investment Policy in Book Publishing and Distribution Maintain Funding for all programs that support writing and publishing in Canada Increase the Canada Book Fund (CBF) from its current level of $38.4 million per year to $58.4 million Amendments to the Copyright Modernization Act. Amending sections (old section 21) to limit fair dealing exemption for education.

Amendments to the Copyright Modernization Act. Amending sections (old section 21) to limit fair dealing exemption for education. Promote Canadian ownership in publishing through the evaluation of the exceptions made to The Revised Foreign Investment Policy in Book Publishing and Distribution Maintain Funding for all programs that support writing and publishing in Canada Increase the Canada Book Fund (CBF) from its current level of $38.4 million per year to $58.4 million

Operating grant, contributions to projects in technology development, research, marketing, professional development Maintain Funding for all programs that support writing and publishing in Canada Amendments to the Copyright Modernization Act. Amending sections (old section 21) to limit fair dealing exemption for education.

PAA Advisory | Conseils

Bell Canada

13

Discussions regarding procedures and policies as well as best practices and reducing costs in procurement associated with end user devices, networks, support services and solutions, including development and deployment of sovereign AI capacity. Seeking to raise awareness about Bell’s technological innovations, including AI, with an aim to convey how policies affect investments in innovation and research. Copyright Act amendments affecting internet service providers and/or broadcasting distribution undertakings and/or broadcasting programming undertakings Discuss and sharing of best practices with respect to Bell Let’s Talk mental health initiative. Proposed government broadband programs, policies and initiatives including in rural and Northern Canada. The Comprehensive Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), provisions related to copyright, culture, telecommunications and broadcasting. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), provisions related to copyright, culture, telecommunications and broadcasting. Spectrum policy framework with respect to technological and financial implications of government policies. Replacement Worker Legislation - legislation that bans replacement workers during a labour dispute hindering our ability to operate our networks and serve our customers Regulatory modernization of the Canada Labour Code. Proposing amendments pursuant to Income Tax Act. Potential Amendments to the Broadcasting Act. Potential Amendments to the Broadcast Act and Telecommunications Act as per legislative review. Policies relating to signal piracy, and copyright infringement Policies Relating to Broadcasting Distribution Undertakings with regard to the terms of carriage of our services by terrestrial and satellite television distributors Pension plan regulations with regard to their impact on the solvency funding and other requirements for Bell as a plan sponsor Legislation regulation or policies focused on critical infrastructure, cyber security and lawful access Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) labour force -- policies related to increasing the talent supply in Canada Broadcasting Policies Relating to Specialty and Pay Television Broadcasting Policies Relating to Conventional Television Broadcasting Policies Relating to Commercial Radio Broadcasting Licence Fee Regulations, 1997 under section 11 of the Broadcasting Act. An Act to amend the Consumer Privacy Protection Act and the Personal Information and Date Protection Tribunal Act, as well legislation, policies or regulation having impact on Bell customers from a privacy perspective, and with respect to obligations imposed on carriers with respect to intercept and subscriber information. Act respecting online communications platforms that make news content available to persons in Canada

Canadian Independent Music Association

13

Re-affirming the need to uphold the commitment to review the Copyright Modernization Act in 2017 Providing input to Canada Music Fund on ways to strengthen and improve Providing advice and input on new, innovative ways to provide support to the domestic-owned segment of the music industry

Providing advice and input on new, innovative ways to provide support to the domestic-owned segment of the music industry, including the Canada Music Fund and the Creative Export Canada Fund Providing input to Canada Music Fund on ways to strengthen and improve in its modernization Participating as a stakeholder, on behalf of CIMA members, in the official Statutory Review of the Copyright Act Participating as a stakeholder, on behalf of CIMA members, in the Broadcasting Act C-11 legislative changes.

Providing input to Canada Music Fund on ways to strengthen and improve in its modernization Providing advice and input on new, innovative ways to provide support to the domestic-owned segment of the music industry, including the Canada Music Fund and the Creative Export Canada Fund Participating as a stakeholder, on behalf of CIMA members, in the official Statutory Review of the Copyright Act Participating as a stakeholder, on behalf of CIMA members, in the Broadcasting Act legislative changes.

PAA Advisory | Conseils

Digital Media Association

13

Engaging public office holders to understand Canada’s emerging policy approach to artificial intelligence, copyright, and the creation and use of digital replicas in music. The Online Streaming Act (formerly Bill C-11). Process and schedule for the CRTC consultations, concerns about unintended consequences of the Act, proposed amendments to the Act and issues surrounding Minister’s Direction to the CRTC pursuant to the Act.

Engaging public office holders to understand Canada’s emerging policy approach to artificial intelligence, copyright, and the creation and use of digital replicas in music. Communications with public office holders regarding the implementation of the Online Streaming Act, including as it relates to regulations and conditions applicable to online streaming services operating in Canada.

The Online Streaming Act (formerly Bill C-11). Process and schedule for the CRTC consultations, concerns about unintended consequences of the Act, proposed amendments to the Act and issues surrounding Minister’s Direction to the CRTC pursuant to the Act. Engaging public office holders to understand Canada’s emerging policy approach to artificial intelligence, copyright, and the creation and use of digital replicas in music.

NorthStar Public Affairs

Métro Média

13

Meetings with elected and non-elected officials to discuss the company's key priorities.

Recent activity

Jul 29, 2026
Darren Entwistle contacted Brian MacKay on behalf of TELUS
Jul 28, 2026
Jul 17, 2026
Jul 15, 2026
Mirko Bibic contacted Brian MacKay on behalf of Bell Canada
Jul 14, 2026
Jul 3, 2026
Jun 29, 2026
Jun 22, 2026
Jun 12, 2026
Jun 11, 2026
Jun 10, 2026
Mirko Bibic contacted Brian MacKay on behalf of Bell Canada
May 29, 2026