Fifty screen groups ask Ottawa not to replace the CRTC's 15% streaming contribution with funding

On May 21 the CRTC issued Broadcasting Regulatory Policies 2026-95 and 2026-96. Law firm Cassels says they would make foreign streamers with over $25 million in Canadian broadcasting revenue spend at least 15% of the related online revenue on Canadian programming.

On June 3 the federal government told the CRTC to review the parts of those policies that require streamers and Canadian broadcasters to commit to Canadian programming spending, citing possible consumer price increases. The announcement does not say the May 21 decision is suspended, so it stands as pending review. It also committed $600 million a year in federal investment in the audio and audiovisual sectors, without naming a program to deliver it. CP24, carrying a Canadian Press report, says the government later said in a court document that it would “eliminate” the streamer contribution requirement; the report does not say which court or when.

On August 13, ACTRA and 49 other Canadian screen organizations wrote publicly to Prime Minister Mark Carney and Marc Miller, the culture minister. The letter calls the $600 million welcome but says it is “not a substitute for durable, legally enforceable contribution obligations,” and asks that the 15% benchmark not be reduced.