The CRTC is granting Google a five-year exemption under the Online News Act, while requiring the digital giant to pay $100 million to the Canadian Journalism Collective (CJC) within 60 days.

The first decision issued under the Online News Act Application and Exemption Regulations, the commission says it paves the way for Google to contribute $100 million annually to Canadian news organizations through the CJC.

Under the Act, which came into force in December to ensure online platforms making Canadian news content available fairly compensate media organizations, platforms can request an exemption from being required to bargain with individual news organizations if they reach an agreement with an organization that represents a broad range of Canadian news organizations.

Following Google’s request for an exemption in June, the commission launched a consultation. The CRTC says it came to today’s decision after reviewing the public record.

The exemption is contingent on certain conditions, including the requirement to allow additional eligible news businesses to join the CJC. The commission will require annual reports from the CJC to ensure it operates in a transparent manner.

Kevin Desjardins, President of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB), said the CRTC move means monies can be distributed to newsrooms by the end of the year.

“The CAB is pleased to see the CRTC issue a timely decision in granting Google their five-year exemption from the Online News Act,” Desjardins said in a statement. “We believe that this decision will allow the Canadian Journalism Collective sufficient time to ensure that Canadian news businesses are provided with compensation before the end of 2024. Ensuring that this compensation flows efficiently and fairly will be critical to help support Canadian news organizations, and to keep more journalists employed in newsrooms.”