Overview

• The 2024 order enacted under the Online Streaming Act mandates services with over $25 million in annual Canadian revenues to pay 5 percent into domestic content and news funds.
• In December, the Federal Court of Appeal stayed payments—estimated at about $1.25 million per company—pending resolution of consolidated appeals.
• The streamers contend the rule unfairly targets foreign platforms, arguing it is inequitable and that the CRTC lacks taxation powers under the Broadcasting Act.
• Motion Picture Association–Canada is separately contesting the requirement that streamers allocate 1.5 percent of revenues to local TV news, saying they have no news-production mandate.
• The federal government and the Canadian Association of Broadcasters argue the contributions address a funding imbalance that places greater obligations on traditional broadcasters.