Sunday, May 3, 2026
ADVT 
National

Government to bring forward online harms bill, AI minister says

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 23 Jan, 2026 11:46 AM
  • Government to bring forward online harms bill, AI minister says

Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon says the federal government is working on online harms legislation.

Solomon says Culture Minister Marc Miller will bring that bill forward.

The bill would be separate from privacy legislation Solomon will introduce, and from a justice bill the government tabled last year that includes elements criminalizing some deepfakes.

The Liberal government introduced the Online Harms Act in 2024, which would have imposed new requirements on social media companies and created an online regulator, but the bill never became law.

Under Prime Minister Mark Carney, the Liberals initially signalled they would not bring the bill back in the same form, but would instead tackle aspects of online harms in other legislation.

Solomon’s comments follow calls from women and children’s advocates to bring back the defunct bill, and after a report in the Globe and Mail said an upcoming online harms bill could include a social media ban for children under 14.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

MORE National ARTICLES

Carney calls for 'maximum pressure' on Russia as Putin issues threat to allies

Carney calls for 'maximum pressure' on Russia as Putin issues threat to allies
Carney says that pressure has "several aspects," including ensuring Ukrainian forces are armed, that sanctions against Russia are in place and that Ukraine is supported "when there is a cessation of hostility."

Carney calls for 'maximum pressure' on Russia as Putin issues threat to allies

Unemployment rate climbed to 7.1 per cent in August as economy lost 66,000 jobs

Unemployment rate climbed to 7.1 per cent in August as economy lost 66,000 jobs
The unemployment rate ticked up to 7.1 per cent in August as the economy lost 66,000 jobs for the month. The monthly jobs report comes after the July labour force survey that showed a loss of 41,000 jobs and an unemployment rate of 6.9 per cent.

Unemployment rate climbed to 7.1 per cent in August as economy lost 66,000 jobs

Elon Musk's Neuralink brain chip implanted into two quadriplegic Canadian patients

Elon Musk's Neuralink brain chip implanted into two quadriplegic Canadian patients
They are part of the first clinical trial outside of the United States to test the safety and effectiveness of Elon Musk's Neuralink wireless brain chip, which he introduced to the public in 2020, and was first implanted in a paralyzed American in 2024.

Elon Musk's Neuralink brain chip implanted into two quadriplegic Canadian patients

Canada providing $3 million in humanitarian aid for Afghans after earthquake

Canada providing $3 million in humanitarian aid for Afghans after earthquake
A news release issued by Global Affairs Canada today says $1.3 million will be allocated to the World Food Programme to "scale-up its ongoing response" through the provision of food and logistical services.

Canada providing $3 million in humanitarian aid for Afghans after earthquake

Local emergency declared over B.C. fire that shut highway as evacuation orders expand

Local emergency declared over B.C. fire that shut highway as evacuation orders expand
The Fraser Valley Regional District says it has declared a state of local emergency and issued an evacuation order for the Coquihalla Lakes Lodge and the Coquihalla Summit Snowmobile Club site due to the Mine Creek fire that shut the highway on Wednesday.

Local emergency declared over B.C. fire that shut highway as evacuation orders expand

Ottawa must cancel or significantly reform temporary foreign worker program, says Eby

Ottawa must cancel or significantly reform temporary foreign worker program, says Eby
Eby says one reason B.C. is facing "significant fiscal headwinds" is because of "very high unemployment rates" among young people, linked to both the temporary foreign worker program and the international student program.

Ottawa must cancel or significantly reform temporary foreign worker program, says Eby