This day without Facebook and Instagram is organized by the Professional Association of Journalists of Quebec (FPJQ) and the Quebec Society of Public Relations Professionals.

The mayors of Longueuil, Laval and Quebec have already announced that they will take part in the boycott campaign.

The Montreal Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is also inviting numerous companies to join the movement. “As discussions continue between the government and Meta on Bill C-18, it is important to increase the pressure to support our Canadian media. The Chamber maintained its boycott throughout the summer and fully supports the FPJQ’s goals for September 15th. We call on all companies to participate to send a strong message on this day of mobilization,” said Michel Leblanc, president and CEO of the Montreal Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, in a press release.

September 15th is International Democracy Day. The public is invited to subscribe to a Quebec media outlet and a local media outlet’s newsletter on the day.

The Canadian Journalism Association, the Union of Artists, the Friends of Broadcasting, the National Federation of Communications and Culture, the Quebec Federation of Workers, Hebdo Quebec and the Press Council will also join the movement.

Since 1, Meta has been blocking Canadian and foreign news on Facebook and Instagram^um August, in response to Bill C-18. There Online News Act was passed last June and will come into force from mid-December. Web giants have to pay media a fee when they share their content.

Google and Meta could have to pay $230 million to Canadian media. This is evident from the Online News Act regulations announced by the government on July 1^um last February.