The Canadian government is suspending advertisement on Facebook and Instagram in response to Meta Platforms Inc.’s plan to end news availability on its platforms in the country.

The quarrel erupted when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government passed a law requiring digital platforms to negotiate commercial deals with local publishers for featuring news content.

Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez, who announced the suspension of ads on Wednesday in Ottawa, said the government spends about C$10 million ($7.5 million) annually on advertisements on Facebook and Instagram.

Separately, media firm Quebecor Inc. said it’s withdrawing all advertising by its subsidiaries and business units from Meta’s platforms. Cable television operator Cogeco Communications Inc. also said it would do the same.

--With assistance from Mathieu Dion.

Author: Randy Thanthong-Knight