Conservatives want Carney to kill the CRTC’s new streaming rules — but is it that simple?

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has taken aim at the CRTC’s new funding requirements for digital streamers — which he calls the “Liberal Netflix tax hike” — but it’s not clear what, if any, recourse is available to the federal government. On Monday, Poilievre (Battle River—Crowfoot) penned a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney (Nepean, Ont.) asking him to “reverse” the CRTC policy announced last week, which will require major U.S.-based streaming companies to allocate 15 per cent of Canadian revenues to funding domestic entertainment media. “Let me be clear: Conservatives oppose the Liberal ‘Netflix tax,’” wrote Poilievre. “While Canadians are struggling with the cost of filling up their tank and their grocery cart, they don’t need another tax on watching their favourite show, movie, or listening to their favourite song.” On the weekend, the Conservative leader suggested streamers, who are expected to collectively pay $7 billion US to fund Canadian programming over the next five years, will pass the added costs on to Canadian consumers by raising subscription prices and other fees — a position that was echoed by Tory MP Rachael Thomas (Lethbridge, Alta.). “The cost of living for Canadians is already high enough,” wrote Thomas, the party’s heritage critic, on social media. “This new tax will only make things worse.” “The Carney Liberals must reject the CRTC’s decision.” In his letter, Poilievre also referred to the commission as the “Liberal appointed CRTC.” Vicky Eatrides, the regulator’s chair, was appointed by ex-heritage minister Pablo Rodriguez, and the commission’s recent decision was made under its ongoing implementation of the Online Streaming Act, introduced by Justin Trudeau’s government in 2022. However, the CRTC describes itself as an “independent quasi-judicial tribunal.” Additionally, Scott Shortliffe, the regulator’s vice-president of broadcasting, told reporters during a press conference last week the streaming rules were crafted without input from the federal government regarding the current status of trade negotiations with the U.S. “Our job is to bring into effect the regulations based on the act that Parliament passed,” said Shortliffe. Following the decision, Canadian Identity Minister Marc Miller (Ville-Marie—Le Sud-Ouest—Île-des-Sœurs, Que.) said his office was “reviewing” its impacts, a process his office told The Wire Report was still ongoing as of Monday. Though Miller is the minister responsible for the CRTC, current legislation provides him with limited authority to amend the regulator’s broadcasting decisions. Under the Broadcasting Act, Miller can give the commission broad directives on broadcasting and regulatory policy, which the CRTC must consider. However, the Liberals do not have explicit authority to repeal CRTC decisions, like the one announced last week. Unlike the Telecommunications Act, which gives the governor-in-council an ability to rescind decisions, Canada’s broadcasting legislation only allows cabinet to order the reconsideration of CRTC licensing decisions, should it be petitioned by stakeholders. “What Poilievre is suggesting is not permitted under law,” said a government source who asked to remain anonymous because they were not permitted to speak about the matter. It should be noted that Miller recently criticized the CRTC for moving too slowly in its implementation of the Online Streaming Act, raising questions over political interference. The Liberals could also decide to repeal the Online Streaming Act, which has divided cultural producers and industry stakeholders since it became law in 2023. There is a long history of Parliament repealing statues, and any future decision to revoke the Online Streaming Act would almost certainly lead the CRTC to remove its contribution requirements for streamers. Additionally, last month, Miller softened his government’s position on the legislation, which his predecessor Steven Guilbeault (Laurier—Sainte-Marie, Que.) had previously promised “will not be on the table.” The Online Streaming Act has been a sticking point in bilateral trade discussions between Canada and the U.S. ahead of the forthcoming review of North America’s free trade deal, set to begin in July. U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade pointperson has said the “resolution” of the streaming rules will be critical to the agreement’s successful renewal. When contacted by The Wire Report, a spokesperson for Poilievre did not suggest the Conservatives were looking for the Online Streaming Act to be repealed in its entirety. “We’re just calling for this tax to be repealed,” said Sam Lilly, director of media relations for the Conservative leader. Lilly pointed to the powers afforded to cabinet under section 28 of the Broadcasting Act, which only refers to decisions to issue or change a licence. But, he continued, should that rule not apply, the Liberals have various legislative tools at their disposal, giving them ample opportunity to influence change on the CRTC-imposed rules. “They do have powers,” Lilly said of the government. “If they tried and failed, the government does have the capacity to change laws and regulations.” “They wield the pen.” The CRTC declined to respond to Poilievre’s proposal. dlegree@thewirereport.ca

Conservatives want Carney to kill the CRTC’s new streaming rules — but is it that simple?

Regulatory |
By Davis Legree
|May 26, 2026

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Conservatives want Carney to kill the CRTC’s new streaming rules — but is it that simple?

Regulatory | By Davis Legree |May 26, 2026

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