Google will testify in parliamentary committee

OTTAWA-

Google says it will offer some of its top executives to testify before a parliamentary committee.

In a statement, the company said it intended to work constructively with the heritage committee which is studying Google’s actions after the Silicon Valley giant conducted a five-week test that blocked informational links to some of its Canadian users.

The test aimed to gauge the effects of a potential response to Bill C-18, the Liberal government’s controversial online news law.

A spokesperson said Google would make its president of global affairs and chief legal officer, Kent Walker, and vice president of news, Richard Gingras, available to meet with the committee.

Both rejected a committee summons earlier this month.

The head of Google Canada appeared in their place, but Google says it recognizes that committee members continue to have questions they want answered.

This report from The Canadian Press was first published on March 18, 2023.