Canada’s proposed 2026 federal budget would extend its enhanced 35% journalism labor tax credit through 2028, expand eligibility to qualifying private audio and audiovisual news organizations, and provide ongoing funding for local reporting in underserved communities.
The budget proposals include C$134 million over four years, starting in 2027–28, and C$41 million in ongoing annual funding for the Local Journalism Initiative. News Media Canada welcomed the commitment as making the program permanent.
The tax-credit expansion would allow eligible private broadcasters to receive the same enhanced rate available to qualifying written-news organizations, with an annual eligible labor expenditure limit of C$85,000 per employee. The government estimates the credit measures would cost C$501 million over five years, with C$85 million ongoing.
In a Nov. 5 statement, News Media Canada President and CEO Paul Deegan said the Local Journalism Initiative puts reporters in rural, remote and underserved communities, helping ensure their stories are covered and shared across the country.
Stig Ørskov, CEO of the World Association of News Publishers, also welcomed the measures, emphasizing journalism’s role in helping people make informed decisions.
Read News Media Canada’s announcement and review the government’s budget proposals.
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