Cranky Yanks and Canuck Thanks: Reactions pour in to streaming rules

Reaction has come pouring in to Thursday’s decision by the CRTC on rates broadcasters and streamers must pay under the Online Streaming Act. Canadian response is generally positive while the Americans, not surprisingly, are steamed. The commission reduced the percentage mainstream broadcasters must pay for Canadian programming expenditures (CPE) to 25 per cent of domestic revenues. For online streamers, the CPE rate trebles from five to 15 per cent. There is a bottom threshold of revenues of $25 million for the rules to apply. The Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) was generally pleased with the new regime, though it does not like the 10 per cent difference in the levy. “The CAB remains concerned that the new CPE framework continues to place a significantly higher financial burden on private Canadian broadcasters, who must contribute 25 per cent of their revenues, compared with 15 per cent for online streaming services,” the group said in a statement. “At a time when traditional broadcasters face unprecedented competitive pressures, this imbalance risks undermining the long-term sustainability the framework aims to support.” Also expressing support was Bloc Québécois Heritage critic Martin Champoux (Drummond, Que.), who was happy to see the rate for foreign streamers go up. “This is a good step, but there is still a long way to go to ensure our culture and media survive the onslaught of the web, particularly with regard to measures to improve the discoverability of Quebec and French-language content,” he said, in a translation of his statement. “The government must rein in these foreign companies that systematically challenge our laws in court and ensure they contribute their fair share to the system from which they so blatantly profit.” One of the groups challenging the Act is the Motion Picture Association–Canada. Its American parent was quick to condemn the CRTC moves. MPA chair Charles Rivkin immediately released a statement saying the actions could affect free trade negotiations. “American studios and streaming services are already the top foreign investors in Canada’s film and TV ecosystem – delivering content to Canadian audiences and sharing Canadian stories with the world,” the news release stated. “This decision triples the cost of doing business in Canada and will spark even more inflation in the market, making further investment and innovation less attractive.” Also in Washington, the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) joined in the carping. Senior director Brad Wood said the new regulations contravene the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). “Throughout the CRTC’s consultations, NFTC has made it clear that this discriminatory framework is unworkable,” he wrote. “It unfairly targets U.S. platforms and contravenes the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).” On this side of the border, Conservative Heritage critic Rachael Thomas (Lethbridge, Alta.) sided with the Americans in criticizing the tripling of streamers’ rates. “That’s exactly how you drive business out of Canada and increase prices for consumers,” she posted on X. “As Canada approaches the reviewal of CUSMA, the Liberals are doubling down on an existing trade irritant and leaving Canada in a precarious position.” The CRTC reports to Parliament through Canadian Identity and Culture minister Marc Miller (Ville-Marie—Le Sud-Ouest—Île-des-Soeurs, Que.). He was characteristically noncommittal in a tweet on X responding to the ruling. “We are currently reviewing the CRTC's decision,” he wrote. “While we carefully assess its implications, it remains essential to ensure that Canadians continue to see themselves represented on screen, hear voices from here, and celebrate what makes this country unique.” ppark@thewirereport.ca

Cranky Yanks and Canuck Thanks: Reactions pour in to streaming rules

Regulatory |
By Paul Park
|May 22, 2026

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Cranky Yanks and Canuck Thanks: Reactions pour in to streaming rules

Regulatory | By Paul Park |May 22, 2026

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