Online Harms Minister to Assist Heritage

Summary#

This is the Order Assigning the Minister of State (Online Harms) to Assist the Minister of Canadian Heritage: SI/2024-9, published in the Canada Gazette, Part II. It names Arif Virani (the Minister of State (Online Harms), styled Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada) to assist the Minister of Canadian Heritage in carrying out that minister’s responsibilities. The order was made as P.C. 2024-158 on February 19, 2024 and registered on February 28, 2024.

What it does#

• Assigns Arif Virani (in his capacity as Minister of State (Online Harms) and styled Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada) to assist the Minister of Canadian Heritage.
• Does this under section 11 of the Ministries and Ministers of State Act.
• The order does not list specific new duties or rules. It is a formal administrative assignment to provide assistance and coordination.

Who's affected#

• The main people affected are the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Arif Virani, plus their offices and staff.
• Federal officials who work on online harms, cultural policy, digital content, or related files are the most likely to notice this change.
• It is unclear from the order whether or how directly the public, businesses, platforms, or creators will see changes. The document itself does not set new public rules.

Why it matters#

• This names who will help the Heritage minister with matters related to online harms. That can shape who leads coordination inside government on those issues.
• It is an administrative step rather than a new law or regulation. Any practical effects (on policy, enforcement, or services) will depend on what the ministers do next.