Canadian Government Goes Off the Rails

 

U.S. media streamers forced to pay for Canadian content production

You've all heard about the trade war between Canada and the U.S.; however, one issue is over the Canadian 'Online Streaming Act', which the Canadian government passed into law. What Canada wants is for the U.S. media streaming platforms- Netflix, HBO, Disney+, Apple+, etc.- to be required to fund Canadian film and TV show production. What?

So far, the statute has been held up in the courts, while the issue has become part of the Trump administration's broader trade negotiations.

As one would guess, the Canadian producers are pushing the Carney government to enforce the law and force the streamers to subsidize Canadian domestic film and TV productions.

Reynolds Mastin, CEO of the Canadian Media Producers Association, stated, "Last night, the federal government stood up for Canada by refusing to agree to an inequitable trade deal. We look forward to working with the government to ensure that the Online Streaming Act, a key pillar of Canadian cultural and digital sovereignty,  is defended". What BS!

This whole scheme is nothing more than a money-grab by the Canadian content makers, who can't get anyone to subsidize their projects - even their own government. In reality, who needs their content?

The payment to the Canadian producers, primarily indie producers, is forecast at $600 million.