Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced this summer that it would block news content from Canada. The reason is a new law that requires the giant to pay publishers for links and use of their content.

Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated following massive forest fires ravaging the country. Among other things, the city of Yellowknife, which is the capital of the Northwest Territories, is causing great concern.

– Currently, in a crisis situation where local and up-to-date information is more important than ever, Facebook is putting company profits ahead of people’s safety, the Canadian Prime Minister said on Monday during a a press conference in Cornwall, Prince Edward Island. .

– It is therefore incomprehensible that a company like Facebook would choose to prioritize profit over ensuring that local news media can provide up-to-date information to Canadians, said the Prime Minister.

Meta’s blocking affects both local and national news media, including national broadcaster Société Radio-Canada.

However, the California-based company stands by its decision. In a statement from Meta regarding the wildfires, it said Canadians can continue to use Instagram and Facebook to “connect with their communities and access credible information, including content from official government agencies, emergency services and non-governmental organizations.