As Canada reviews regulations concerning Canadian content on online streaming platforms, the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) has submitted its comments to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). The focus is on the implementation of the Online Streaming Act.

The CCIA's comments emphasize the necessity for CRTC definitions regarding Canadian content to encourage U.S. companies to continue operating and investing in Canada. They stress that foreign participation in the market should not be hindered.

In response to CRTC's proposed baseline mandatory contributions for Canadian content, and a proposal requiring streaming companies to allocate funds towards domestic news, CCIA has provided feedback. Additionally, they have published a white paper highlighting potential flaws in the law and possible violations of commitments made under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement (USMCA).

Jonathan McHale, Vice President of Digital Trade at CCIA, stated: “Canada’s Online Streaming Act is a patently discriminatory law that undermines U.S. participation in the Canadian market and Canadian consumers’ access to high-quality global content. The very benefits that the internet has enhanced are now threatened by a return to 1970’s-style broadcast regulation."

He further added: "Canada could mitigate potential harms to the Canadian production ecosystem by introducing much-needed flexibility into what qualifies as Canadian, irrespective of ownership, to better incentivize quality production in Canada."

McHale also noted: “In this proceeding, the CRTC has stated a desire to promote the export of Canadian content. To achieve this, the rules should welcome foreign streamers into the fold as a driving force in the creation of Canadian content, and incentivize them to use their global networks to spread Canadian programming around the world.”