Close X
Saturday, November 23, 2024
ADVT 
National

Digital publication fights CRA finding that it does not produce 'original news'

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 17 Jul, 2023 12:37 PM
  • Digital publication fights CRA finding that it does not produce 'original news'

A digital publication is asking the Federal Court to review a decision by the Canada Revenue Agency that prevents it from accessing incentives for journalism.

The Academic Journalism Society, which runs The Conversation Canada, is seeking a judicial review of the agency's decision after an advisory board found it did not engage in the production of original news content.

In a court filing submitted last week, the publication rejects the agency's conclusion that it's not a qualified Canadian journalism organization — a designation that allows it to claim a journalism tax credit. 

"We were just a bit surprised," said Scott White, The Conversation Canada's CEO and editor in chief.

"We actually thought it should have been a bit of a no-brainer."

The Academic Journalism Society said its authors conduct firsthand reporting through independent research. 

The claim said The Conversation's authors are academics who collaborate with editors to provide evidence-based explanatory journalism on news and current affairs. 

"The expertise of academia and journalism is combined into explanatory journalism and expert analysis," White said. 

"'Knowledge mobilization' is what academics call it, to get the academic expertise out into the general public to help people have more informed opinions."

Lawyers representing the Academic Journalism Society declined to comment because the matter is before the courts. 

The Canada Revenue Agency didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. The federal government has yet to file its defence.

The Academic Journalism Society first applied for the "qualified Canadian journalism organization" designation in December 2020, but was denied in March 2022 by the Independent Advisory Board on Eligibility for Journalism Tax Measures. 

As part of its findings, the board said "there was little evidence that the applicant engaged in independent journalism or that it reported on current events."

It's a claim the digital publication disagreed with, and it now wants Revenue Minister Diane Lebouthillier to quash the agency's decision.

The CRA confirmed that the applicant otherwise satisfied all other requirements for the journalism designation contained in the act, the claim said. 

The applicant asked the CRA to reconsider in May and it provided more information "in support of its position it engages in the production of original news content."

The CRA concluded its position in June, while the publication seeks a review of the final decision. 

 

MORE National ARTICLES

Surrey shooting leaves one dead

Surrey shooting leaves one dead
On Sunday at approximately 5:07 p.m., Surrey RCMP responded to a shooting in an alleyway north of 96 Avenue and 130 Street that has left one man deceased. Police are investigating whether a burnt out vehicle located a short time later in the area of 8200-block of 151A Street is connected to the homicide.  

Surrey shooting leaves one dead

Impasse at strikebound B.C. ports not broken by Saturday's round of negotiations

Impasse at strikebound B.C. ports not broken by Saturday's round of negotiations
Hundreds of supporters showed up to a rally in Vancouver backing striking B-C port workers. Speakers from as far away as Australia and New Zealand offered support for the thousands of workers who have been off the job since Canada Day.

Impasse at strikebound B.C. ports not broken by Saturday's round of negotiations

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holds brief meeting with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holds brief meeting with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau discussed carbon emissions and the strike by B.C. port workers during a brief meeting Friday with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Both leaders were in town for the first day of the Calgary Stampede, a 10-day celebration of western culture that features a parade, rodeo events, pancake breakfasts and concerts. 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holds brief meeting with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith

B.C. RCMP announce corruption, drug trafficking charges against former constable

B.C. RCMP announce corruption, drug trafficking charges against former constable
The B.C. RCMP says a former probationary constable at the force's Surrey detachment has been charged with multiple offences after a months-long corruption investigation. Mounties say the ex-constable, Const. Dawwd (Daoud) Soukary, faces 13 charges related to drug trafficking, breach of trust, theft, cannabis distribution and conspiracy to commit robbery.

B.C. RCMP announce corruption, drug trafficking charges against former constable

U.S. trade envoy presses Canada on digital services tax, home shopping obligations

U.S. trade envoy presses Canada on digital services tax, home shopping obligations
Canada, the United States and Mexico wrapped up a two-day status report on their shared continental trade agreement Friday as the deal that replaced NAFTA passed its three-year anniversary. There are three more years to go before a required review in 2026 that has the potential to scuttle the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, but International Trade Minister Mary Ng doesn't sound worried. 

U.S. trade envoy presses Canada on digital services tax, home shopping obligations

B.C. mass-stabbing killer apologizes to victims, cites 'enormous' drug use

B.C. mass-stabbing killer apologizes to victims, cites 'enormous' drug use
Yannick Bandaogo read his statement in French in a quiet, sometimes shaking voice, and said his addiction to crystal meth played a role in altering his mental health and behaviour. Bandaogo, 30, pleaded guilty this year to second-degree murder, several charges of attempted murder and one count of aggravated assault over the attack.

B.C. mass-stabbing killer apologizes to victims, cites 'enormous' drug use