TORONTO (NEWSnet/AP) — Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday accused Facebook of putting profit over safety during wildfire season emergencies.

Earlier this summer, Meta, parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced it would keep its promise to block news content from Canada because of a law that requires tech companies to pay publishers for linking or repurposing their content online.

Fires in Canada have pushed tens of thousands of people from their homes and threatened cities such as Yellowknife, the capital of Northwest Territories.

“Right now, in an emergency situation where up-to-date information is more important than ever,” Trudeau said at a news conference in Cornwall on Prince Edward Island. “It is so inconceivable that a company like Facebook is choosing to put corporate profits ahead of insuring that local news organizations can get up to date information to Canadians.”

Government ministers called on Meta to lift its Canada news ban, which applies to local outlets and national media such as Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

Meta stood by its decision, saying people in Canada may continue to use Instagram and Facebook “to connect with their communities and access reputable information, including content from official government agencies, emergency services and non-governmental organizations.”

The country's residents and visitors are not able to view or share news on the Meta-owned social networks, including news articles, video and audio.

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