Canada’s online streaming act could discriminate against American companies: U.S. embassy
Global News
An embassy spokeswoman said U.S. officials are holding consultations with businesses about how Bill C-11 could affect their operations.
The United States Embassy in Ottawa says it has concerns that the federal Liberals’ controversial online streaming act could discriminate against American companies.
In a statement to The Canadian Press, an embassy spokeswoman said U.S. officials are holding consultations with businesses about how Bill C-11 could affect their operations.
“We have … concerns it could impact digital streaming services and discriminate against U.S. businesses,” Molly Sanchez Crowe said in the statement.
The bill aims to update Canada’s broadcasting law so it reflects the advent of online streaming platforms such as YouTube, Spotify and Netflix. If the bill passes, such platforms would be required to contribute to the creation of Canadian content and make it accessible to users in Canada _ or face steep penalties.
The proposed law has come under intense scrutiny amid accusations from companies and critics who said it left too much room for government control over user-generated content and social-media algorithms.
The chair of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, which would be given new enforcement powers under the bill, threw water on those concerns during a Senate committee hearing last month, though some lawmakers said they were still concerned about vagueness in the bill’s wording.
YouTube, which is owned by Google, has said it’s not concerned about being regulated further. But it has maintained that the bill would engage in artificial promotion of certain content and give the government control over what users see.
Under the United States-Canada-Mexico free-trade agreement, or USMCA, a country can challenge a law when it feels it is being discriminated against.
Saskatchewan producers are sharing their thoughts on the Canada-China deal that will bring some relief to critical agriculture products in the province.
Ottawa is cancelling Red Deer’s housing deal and cutting funding for Toronto and Vaughan after the cities failed to meet commitments under the Housing Accelerator Fund.
Red Deer city council passed a resolution earlier this week refusing to give back the first installment of funding pending a meeting with the federal housing minister.
Medals belonging to a Canadian veteran have been returned to a Winnipeg family thanks to a Saskatchewan man's love of military history.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued the fine, alleging Universal Ostrich Farm failed to notify authorities about the presence of avian flu on the property.
Ontario's police watchdog is investigating after it says a 33-year-old man was shot dead by police in Brantford early this morning.
West Vancouver police said that emergency services were called at approximately 7:25 p.m. after reports that someone was in medical distress after a fall.
In 2024, live lobster exports to China represented 40 per cent of Nova Scotia's export market, generating about $600 million in revenue.
The ruling upheld a 2024 decision by the Federal Court that also concluded there was 'no national emergency justifying the invocation of the Emergencies Act.'
A Nova Scotia castle, which drew worldwide attention when it was listed for sale for $1 million two years ago, is back on the market, and the owner is open to conversations.
Restaurant growth at a popular commercial plaza that is at the centre of hundred of complaints in Mississauga, Ont., is now restricted.
Prime Minister Mark Carney described it as a "preliminary but landmark" agreement to remove trade barriers and reduce tariffs, part of a broader strategic partnership with China.
About 1,200 residents from Pimicikamak Cree Nation have been staying in Thompson, although it's unclear how many are in the city's hotels or have other accommodations.