Canada Reverses CRTC Decision on Streaming Fees, Pledges C$600M Investment
Ottawa – The Canadian government has instructed its telecommunications regulator, the CRTC, to reverse a recent decision that would have tripled the financial contributions required from US streaming services like Netflix for Canadian content. Instead, the government will invest C$600 million (US$432 million) into the sector.
"This is not the time to raise costs." – Prime Minister Mark Carney
The reversal follows criticism from the Motion Picture Association and the US ambassador to Canada, as well as ongoing discussions about renewing the US-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement.
Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that the decision was made to reinforce affordability for Canadians. Culture Minister Marc Miller said the government's investment of C$600 million aims to "keep the streaming sector vital."
Industry Reaction
The Canadian Media Producers Association expressed concern over the move. Board chair Kyle Irving stated that the government may have "prioritized US tech interests over Canadian culture."
The core question remains: Whether US streamers, who earn significant revenue from Canadians, should be required to invest in Canadian content.