Culture minister says ‘serious conversation’ needed about AI systems and news media

By Canadian Press on March 17, 2026.

OTTAWA — Culture Minister Marc Miller says the government must have a “serious conversation” about AI systems’ use of news.

Miller was asked whether the government is open to extending its Online News Act, which requires Meta and Google to make payments to media outlets, to AI companies.

Miller said it’s not a question about opening up the legislation but of making sure companies are acting responsibly.

He said having the news “cannibalized and regurgitated” undermines the purpose for which it’s used and there is a need for a serious conversation, including with AI companies.

Miller was speaking a national summit of AI and culture, a day after a new report said AI systems depend on Canadian journalism for the information they provide users but don’t offer compensation or proper attribution in return.

The Online News Act requires Meta and Google to compensate media outlets for displaying their content, but Meta pulled news off its platforms in response.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 17, 2026.

Anja Karadeglija, The Canadian Press