Motion Picture Association slams CRTC rules on Canadian content investment

“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 group wrote in a media statement.

The CRTC made the decisions as part of its implementation of the Online Streaming Act, which the United States has identified as a trade irritant ahead of negotiations with Canada.

Canadian Heritage Minister Marc Miller said in a social media post Thursday he is reviewing the CRTC’s decision.

“As we carefully assess its impacts, it will always be paramount to ensure that Canadians continue to see themselves reflected on screen, hear Canadian voices, and celebrate what makes this country unique,” he wrote.

The CRTC’s new rules also change the contribution requirements for traditional broadcasters. Currently paying between 30 and 45 per cent, those fees will be lowered to 25 per cent.

The CRTC also set out rules on how the money must be spent for both streamers and broadcasters, including contributions toward production funds and direct spending on Canadian content.

Most of the streamers’ financial contributions can go toward content, though the CRTC is imposing rules on how that money must be spent for the largest streamers.

For instance, streamers with Canadian revenues of more than $100 million annually must direct 30 per cent of spending toward partnerships with Canadian broadcasters and independent producers.

Large Canadian broadcasters will have to direct at least 15 per cent of their contributions toward news.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 22, 2026.

— With files from Anja Karadeglija in Ottawa

Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Motion Picture Association slams CRTC rules on Canadian content investment

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