An online publication is challenging a Canada Revenue Agency decision in Federal Court that bars it from receiving a journalism tax credit.
The Academic Journalism Society, which runs the site The conversation in Canada, is seeking a judicial review of the Federal Revenue Agency’s decision.
In a motion filed in Federal Court last week, the organization is challenging the Revenue Agency’s decision, based on the findings of the Independent Advisory Panel on Eligibility for Journalism Tax Measures. This committee concluded that The conversation did not produce “original” news content.
“We were a little surprised,” admitted Scott White, CEO and Editor of The Conversation Canada. We actually thought that [la qualification] should have been a bit self-evident. »
The Academic Journalism Society advocates that its authors provide first-hand reporting through independent research.
The organization indicates in its request that the authors of the articles published by The conversation are academics who work with news media to provide evidence-based, explanatory journalism in current affairs and public affairs.
“Academia and journalism expertise are combined in explanatory journalism and expert analysis,” says White. Academics speak of “knowledge mobilization”: bringing academic expertise to the general public in order to help citizens have more informed opinions. »
Lawyers representing the organization declined to comment as the matter is now before the courts. The Canada Revenue Agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The federal government has not yet filed its defense in this case.
Application in 2020
The Academic Journalism Society first applied in December 2020 for designation as a “qualified Canadian journalism organization.” But this request was rejected in March 2022 by the Independent Advisory Committee. The latter, set up in 2020 by the government, aims to determine the eligibility of various media for federal tax measures aimed at supporting journalism in the country.
The committee concluded that there was little evidence that The conversation reported “current events” or provided independent journalism. The organization now wants Revenue Minister Diane Lebouthillier to reverse the agency’s decision.
According to the Federal Court motion, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) also confirmed that The conversation met all other requirements contained in the law to qualify as a “Canadian journalism organization”.
The organization last May asked the CRA to reconsider this decision and it provided more information to demonstrate that it is genuinely committed to the production of “original news content”.
The CRA finally concluded its position in June, when the organization sought judicial review in Federal Court.
The advisory committee is chaired by Colette Brin, professor in the department of information and communication at Laval University, and director of the Center for Media Studies.
The Canadian Press has entered into a commercial agreement with The Conversation Canada to distribute its content to its clients.