Justin Trudeau has been accused of buying media support after launching $600m newspaper bailout (Image: GETTY)
The taxpayer-funded bailout for “Supporting Canadian Journalism” would provide tax credits and other incentives to media and news organisations struggling to stay afloat in the digital age. A bill which will introduce the scheme will pass through Canadian Government in the next few months before the general election in October, according to The Sunday Telegraph. The Conservative opposition said the scheme could compromise journalists, pushing Canada towards “state-run media”.
When the idea was first announced late last year Bill Morneau, the finance minister, argued it would "protect the vital role that the independent news media plays in our democracy," and stressed that it would help save under threat local newspapers.
The move would also see Mr Trudeau gain beneficial pre-election coverage.
Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre told The Sunday Telegraph: "I think Trudeau's timing has been brilliant.
“He's made it an election issue for journalists.
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