AmCham Statement: CRTC’s decision to impose levy on U.S. Streamers

June 4, 2024 – Ottawa, “AmCham Canada is deeply concerned by today’s decision from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to impose an initial base contribution of 5% on U.S. streaming services, a move that fails to account for the significant investment American streaming services already make in Canada’s creative sector. The text of the Online Streaming Act and policy directive from the Minister of Heritage clearly directs the CRTC to develop flexible regulations that take into consideration the unique business models of global streaming services. Not only does today’s decision fail to do that, but it risks restricting cross-border trade with the U.S., a fact that has already sparked concern in Congress. We are further concerned that this is only an initial mandated contribution and that there will be more to come in future decisions. We urge the CRTC and Canadian government to revisit this decision, and recognize the longtime investments U.S. streaming services have made and continue to make in Canada.”