Cabinet should consider directly paying reporters from indigenous, racial, or religious minority groups up to $45,000 a year to promote diversity in journalism, says a Canadian Heritage report.

Direct cash payments would be on top of the $29,750 rebate per employee at government-approved newsrooms, the report said.
“Organizations mentioned the need for government funds dedicated to creators and journalists from Indigenous, racialized and religious minority communities in the media,” reads the “Changing Narratives Fund Report On Consultations,” reads the document, which was first covered by Blacklock’s Reporter. “Funding should be stable and targeted.”

The recommendation, which comes from responses to a survey with selected advocacy groups, proposes subsidizing “a salary of $45,000 per annum” for reporters who are indigenous, Muslim, black, or LGBT.