Marketing is essential. From the smallest business to the largest corporation, we all recognize the value of ​getting your message heard and seen.

Canada’s federal government spends hundreds of millions of dollars every year on marketing to share vital ​information with Canadians. The problem is that most of that money is spent on American digital advertising ​platforms like Facebook and Instagram (Meta), Google, and others. Tens of millions of Canadian taxpayer ​money exits Canada and lines the already rich pockets of massive American digital companies.

A coalition of Canadian broadcasters is appealing to the federal government to take one simple and ​common-sense step: commit to spending 70% of the federal government’s marketing money with ​Canadian radio, television, digital, and print companies.

This initiative will put taxpayer money directly into the Canadian economy. It will keep jobs in Canadian media ​and foster a healthy and vibrant Canadian media ecosystem. This is a simple and common-sense step that ​requires no legislation or debate. It appeals to voters across the political spectrum, from right to left. It simply ​makes sense on every level.

It also acknowledges that Canadian media operates in a heavily regulated environment, and they are counted ​upon to contribute millions each year to Canadian cultural development through music, TV, movies, art, and ​journalism.

Canada has a wealth of great radio stations, TV networks, print outlets, and digital platforms. And many ​Canadian media companies offer advertisers access to the same American digital platforms, including Facebook, ​Instagram, Google, and others.

How can you help?

Talk to your MP. Ask them if they support spending tens of millions of taxpayer dollars to make Mark Zuckerberg ​and Elon Musk richer. Ask them to raise this issue in Ottawa with their staff.

The influence you have as a business and community leader is significant. Canada’s independent broadcasters ​are grateful you can use that influence to help this cause.