The US Ambassador to Canada accuses Canada of imposing trade barriers by requiring that US streamers contribute 15% of Canadian revenue to local programming
Remarks from U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra add to harshly critical statements from lobby groups representing Hollywood and tech companies
Wall Street Journal Paul Vieira
Related Coverage
- CRTC takes action to support the creation and discoverability of Canadian and Indigenous content Government of Canada
- CCIA Statement on CRTC Decision on Canadian Content Discoverability and Programming Expenditures CCIA
- Hollywood Studios Call Canada's 15% Streaming Tax Illegal as Experts Warn of a Legal Fight iPhone in Canada · Austin Blake
- Canada to Raise Revenue Levy on Online Streamers to Support Local Programming Dow Jones Newswires · Paul Vieira
- Netflix, Disney to Face Higher Costs Under New Canada Streaming Rules Bloomberg · Nojoud Al Mallees
- Canada is imposing a 15% tax on streaming services to support local content TechSpot · Alfonso Maruccia
Discussion
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@mgeist
Michael Geist
on x
The reaction from Culture Minister @MarcMillerVM to the CRTC ruling was very muted. The government must know the Online Streaming Act is a mess: trade challenge from the US, opposition from stakeholders, a high-cost market, and increased consumer costs. https://www.michaelgeist.c…
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@quinnypig
Corey Quinn
on x
This is technically correct if your definition of “barrier” is “money that doesn't reach Delaware.”
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@alanfryermedia
Alan Fryer
on x
Most Canadian families these days are choosing to access their entertainment through American streaming services like Netflix and AppleTV as opposed to CBC Gem because they're better. Those American streamers also platform talented Canadian actors, writers, directors and cinemat…
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@shelby_kramp
Shelby Kramp-Neuman MP
on x
The CRTC decision is problematic. It sends the wrong message to investors and trading partners ahead of critical CUSMA negotiations. Canada should be focused on boosting competitiveness, attracting investment & lowering costs. Supporting Canadian culture matters, but it should…
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@hertzbarry
Barry Hertz
on x
NEW: Lost in CRTC news about 15% contributions from foreign streamers to Canadian content is elimination of the “Programs of National Interest” obligation for broadcasters, which @DGCTalent warns “will place hundreds of millions of dollars in potential annual investment at risk.”…
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@usambcanada
Ambassador Pete Hoekstra
on x
CRTC's decision to triple the tax rate on leading streaming services is making a bad situation worse. CRTC is targeting and taxing U.S. companies, putting up new, discriminatory trade barriers, and worsening the investment climate for American businesses.
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@mgeist
Michael Geist
on x
The CRTC streaming decision is a mess of the government's own making. For years, it proceeded as if “make web giants pay” would have no repercussions on trade relationships and consumer costs. Now the bill is coming due. https://www.michaelgeist.ca/ ... https://x.com/...
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@jamiljivani
Jamil Jivani
on x
We're living through an affordability crisis. Instead of the CRTC using their power to challenge the telecom oligopoly and bring down the cost of your internet and phone bills, the CRTC is focused on making you pay even more for streaming the movies and shows that you like.
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@usconsvancouver
@usconsvancouver
on x
Exciting visit to the new @netflix animation studios in Vancouver. Discussed the studio's $100 million economic impact, world-class talent pipeline, and blockbuster productions. U.S.-Canada creative collaboration produces great things but requires a level playing field for all …
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@jbsteinberg
Joseph Steinberg
on x
This tax targets American streaming companies—and seems designed to intentionally frustrate the upcoming USMCA talks—but it's ultimately a tax on Canadian consumers. The Online Streaming Act should be repealed, and the CRTC should probably be disbanded entirely.
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@paulchato
Paul Chato
on x
Netflix already has a significant Canadian footprint both in original programming and production. For decades our government has tried to legislate creativity. Make yourself valuable and people will want you.
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@motionpictures
@motionpictures
on x
The Motion Picture Association strongly condemns the CRTC's decision to impose unprecedented, unnecessary, and discriminatory investment obligations on American streaming services operating in Canada. Read our full statement: https://www.motionpictures.org/ ...
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@mgeist
Michael Geist
on x
The US government will view the CRTC Online Streaming Act decision as a provocation and escalate pressure on Canada to drop the law altogether. The levy + expenditures run into hundreds of millions for streamers with no credit for existing contributions. https://www.michaelgeist.…
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r/notthebeaverton
r
on reddit
Trump Envoy Accuses Canada of New Trade Barriers With Streaming Revamp... a Wallstreet Journal headline with no vested interest taint at all...
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Kelly Wilhelm
Kelly Wilhelm
on linkedin
Industry responses to yesterday's decision by the CRTC on the Canadian Content framework show exactly how fraught this policy area is at this moment …
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Kevin Wallis
Kevin Wallis
on linkedin
The CRTC decision the industry has been waiting for was finally released yesterday. Initial reactions are starting to be pushed out today from streamers …