End the free ride for foreign web giants
Canada's outdated broadcasting laws are hurting Canadian Producers, broadcasters and stories
The Broadcasting Act was last updated over 30 years ago. That’s an eternity in the world of media production and broadcasting!
Three decades ago there was no home internet, were no streaming services, and VCRs were the height of on-demand technology.
Today, Canadian laws don’t apply to the foreign-based web giants and streaming services that operate over the internet like broadcasters. As a result, they siphon billions of dollars out of the country, without any requirement to invest back into the Canadian system.
Why pass the Online Streaming Act?
Updated broadcasting legislation in Canada will:
Strong and Independent
Support a Canadian production sector in control of our future, and not dependent on companies headquartered outside our borders
No Free Rides
Require foreign streaming services that make billions from Canadian subscribers to invest in Canadian productions
Level the Playing Field
Put Canadian companies on an equal footing with global web giants and streaming services
Invest in Diversity
Drive new investment that supports production from Indigenous, Black and other equity-seeking creators from across Canada
Support Choice
Give Canadian audiences a chance to discover Canadian shows, alongside the algorithm-promoted content pushed by foreign streamers
Our Country, Our Culture
Give Canadians control of our stories, which reflect the people and places of Canada
Download a PDF summarizing why the government must pass Bill C-11, as well as myths and facts about this Bill.
Download PDF
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD IN OTTAWA
Thanks to all who wrote their MPs in support of this bill.
We may need your support again as the bill moves through the Senate. Stay tuned.
SPREAD THE WORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Let’s set the record straight about why Canada needs to update our outdated broadcasting laws.
You can help support Canadian indie producers by sharing our message on social media.
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Also, click on the download icon so you can share through your Linkedin, Instagram and other social networks.
The Move to Modernization
The Online Streaming Act is vital for Canada’s production sector, Canadian audiences, and our stories. Every plot needs a resolution. Track the progress toward passing this important legislation.
WE'RE PRODUCING MOMENTUM
Follow the latest activity and news as we continue to gain momentum and support for passing the Online Streaming Act.
Meetings
Held
May 2, 2022
The CMPA chatting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister Rodriguez at the National Culture Summit
April 27, 2022
The CMPA chatting with NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh at the AQPM conference
April 25, 2022
The CMPA met with the office of the Leader of the CPC
April 19, 2022
The CMPA met with the office of Liberal MP, Anthony Housefather
April 13, 2022
The CMPA met with the office of Liberal MP, Julie Dabrusin
April 11, 2022
The CMPA met with the office of Liberal MP, Chris Bittle
April 5, 2022
The CMPA met with the office of Liberal MP, Tim Louis
April 5, 2022
The CMPA met with the office of Liberal MP, Lisa Hepfner
March 31, 2022
The CMPA met with the office of CPC MP, Kevin Waugh
March 25, 2022
The CMPA met with the office of NDP MP, Don Davies
March 23, 2022
The CMPA met with the office of NDP, MP Gord Johns
March 21, 2022
The CMPA met with the office of Liberal MP, Julie Dzerowicz
March 11, 2022
The CMPA met with the office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
March 11, 2022
The CMPA met with the office of Liberal MP, Nathaniel Erskine-Smith
March 11, 2022
The CMPA met with the office of NDP MP, Heather McPherson
March 2, 2022
The CMPA met with the office of NDP MP, Taylor Bachrach
February 28, 2022
The CMPA met with the office of NDP MP, Richard Cannings
February 4, 2022
The CMPA met with the office of the Leader of the NDP, House of Commons
January 28, 2022
The CMPA met with the office of the Minister of Finance
January 25, 2022
The CMPA met with the office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
January 24, 2022
The CMPA met with the office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
January 19, 2022
The CMPA met with the office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
January 19, 2022
The CMPA met with the office of the Minister of Finance
January 18, 2022
The CMPA met with the office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
December 13, 2021
The CMPA met with the office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
December 6, 2021
The CMPA met with the office of Minister of Canadian Heritage
Social
Momentum
June 22, 2022
@CdnHeritage
#OnlineStreamingAct – The House of Commons has passed Bill C-11. Next, it goes to the Senate for consideration.
June 22, 2022
@ACTRAnational
#ACTRA has been following the progress of Bill #C11 closely through @OurCommons and looks forward to ensuring this important piece of legislation meets the needs of Canadian creators as it moves through the Senate.
June 22, 2022
@CMF_FMC
The CMF welcomes the adoption of Bill C-11—the Online Streaming Act—by the House of Commons. We are eager to see the proposed framework head to the Senate and, in due course, modernize the Canadian content creation and funding ecosystem. #C11 #BillC11
June 21, 2022
@WGCtweet
Very pleased that Bill C-11 has passed the House of Commons. Thank you @pablorodriguez for your tireless advocacy. We now must ensure that the potential of #C11 is fully realized through amendments at the Senate to ensure the maximum use of 🇨🇦 creative talent in the bill.
June 13, 2022
@pablorodriguez
At the @BanffMedia , I had to chance to discuss with creators, producers and important players in the creative industries about how Bill #C11 will better support Canadian voices and stories in the digital age. 🇨🇦 Our stories and voices matter.📖📢
June 7, 2022
@lisahepfner
We’ve been hearing from stakeholders about why Bill C-11 is important and how vital this bill is for the cultural sector and broadcasting system. Yesterday I asked the Minister of Canadian Heritage @pablorodriguez to explain how the Bill will actually work and why it’s necessary.
May 27, 2022
@ACTRAnational
Take action to support the future of Canadian culture by contacting Canadian Heritage Committee members to ensure they understand the importance of the Online Streaming Act (Bill C-11) to Canadian creators. http://actra.ca/take-action/
May 26, 2022
@songwritersofCa
C11 will ensure our Canadian song and stories are heard in English, French and Indigenous languages - we support Bill C-11! #BillC11 #C11 #songwriter #artist #royalties #online #streaming #act #creatorsunite
May 26, 2022
@SugithVarughese
It is high time that online platforms contribute to the creation, enhancement and dissemination of local cultural expressions. Let's ask our MPs and Senators to support Bill C-11.
May 19, 2022
@songwritersofCa
Songwriters Association of Canada welcomes the tabling of the Online Streaming Act, and is in support of the proposed legislation as a foundation for now and the future! #BillC11 #C11 #songwriter #artist #royalties #online #streaming #act #creatorsunite
May 17, 2022
@LibraryParlCA
Bill #C11 aims to amend the Broadcasting Act and to make consequential and related amendments to other Acts. Read our Legislative Summary to learn more: http://ow.ly/aQK450JafkX
May 17, 2022
@MediaUnifor
While so much in this world is falling apart, we need to actively cont. to build our communities w/ Canadian stories / #journalism #c11 is just a much needed update to the broadcasting act, but it needs more support for local news #savelocalnews
May 13, 2022
@CdnHeritage
#OnlineStreamingAct - Bill C-11 was adopted at second reading yesterday and was referred to the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage for study. Learn more about the legislative process.
May 12, 2022
@ElizabethMay
Last night I spoke on #C11 - on-line streaming and the threats of social media. The bill is not perfect but *not* the Trojan horse against free speech of some fear mongers. Artists and creators need it. We will not let them down. #broadcasting #GPC
May 12, 2022
@The_CMPA
Great to see the Online Streaming Act pass 2nd reading today! But it’s not over yet. Let your MP know that you support #C11. Visit http://cmpa.ca/PassBillC11 #C11
May 12, 2022
@pablorodriguez
Bill #C11 will now go to committee for further study and analysis by MPs, experts and other witnesses. We look forward to these discussions as we begin the next phase of the legislative process. We are all working hard to better support Canadian artists and creators.✅ #cdnpoli
May 12, 2022
@ACTRAnational
Great to see Bill #C11 pass 2nd reading. Another positive step in modernizing our broadcasting system.
May 12, 2022
@lisahepfner
Today was an exciting day as the House passed Bill C11, the Online Streaming Act, which ensures web giants pay their fair share for showcasing Canadian content. This is huge for local news outlets and all Cdn creators and broadcasters, as it has not been updated since 1991!
May 12, 2022
@HoCChamber
Vote result: Bill #C11 was adopted at 2nd reading and referred to the #CHPC committee. #cdnpoli Yeas: 208✅ Nays: 111❌
May 12, 2022
@CDEC_CDCE
BigTech companies "are crashing on our cultural couch, paying nothing toward the structures & systems that allow Canadian storytelling to survive and thrive." Great oped by @friendscb ED Marla Boltman on the importance of getting #C11 passed #standupforc11
May 11, 2022
@LoriIdlout
I am participating in the C-11 debate regarding the Online Streaming Act. I asked the liberal member when they will ensure that large corporations profiting from streaming are paying their fair share.
May 11, 2022
@KevinDesjardins
It’s great to see this thorough resource on Bill C-11 pulled together by our friends in the production sector. There have been too many hot takes, half-truths and falsehoods spread about this important legislation. #C11
May 10, 2022
@CDEC_CDCE
The CDCE encourages Parliamentarians to send Bill #C11 to the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage for review this week #CHPC #cdnpoli #standupforc11
May 10, 2022
@thewirereport
@The_CMPA is launching a campaign to get its message out that the nation’s broadcast rules must be revised 🔒: https://bit.ly/39SB9fh #c11 #cdnpoli
May 10, 2022
@natguay
Wow! Now we know that the majority of people in Canada actually supports #C11 despite all efforts to misinform them ! This is a strong support for our cultural sovereignty. @globeandmail
May 10, 2022
@WGCtweet
We support Bill C-11. #C11
May 10, 2022
@storyboxmovies
How can you support Canadian indie producers? Send a letter to your MP to let them know it’s time to pass Bill C-11 and modernize Canada’s Broadcasting Act. Learn more and visit http://cmpa.ca/PassBillC11 #C11
May 10, 2022
@natguay
Passing the Online Streaming Act will give Canadian producers control of their IP. Producers who own their IP are 10x more profitable than those who don’t. That revenue can go back to Canadian stories. Visit http://cmpa.ca/PassBillC11 #C11
May 4, 2022
@howardalaw
The folks at CDEC have provided an excellent Q and A myth buster about #C11. Bill C-11 on broadcasting: frequently asked questions
May 3, 2022
@natguay
#C11 is key to unlocking our structures and make sure our immense capacity to create canadian content connects with the ever growing demand for content. #NationalCultureSummit
April 28, 2022
@WGCtweet
The volume of Canadian television production is in decline. We support Bill C-11. #C11 #CDNtv
April 26, 2022
@CMF_FMC
Bill #C11 is intended to address the imbalance of a two-tiered system and recognizes that if you play, you pay. Ultimately this contribution will benefit Canadian content creators and audiences everywhere.
April 20, 2022
@pablorodriguez
Today is National Canadian Film Day! Follow @reelcanada and @CanFilmDay to discover where you can watch or stream a Canadian Film today. Bill #C11 will ensure next generations of filmmakers and movie lovers can share our stories through film. #CanFilmDay #CdnPoli
April 12, 2022
@pablorodriguez
There’s no reason why Canadian culture can’t flourish in the digital age. We need to ensure that Canada remains Canadian. #C11 #cndpoli
April 11, 2022
@WGCtweet
Foreign streaming services that make money from the Canadian market should contribute to the Canadian economy and to Canadian creativity. We support Bill C-11. #C11
April 7, 2022
@pablorodriguez
With C-11, we’re ensuring a strong and vibrant arts and culture sector. Our stories matter.
April 6, 2022
@WGCtweet
Canadians deserve to see themselves and their stories on their own screens! We support Bill C-11. #C11
March 30, 2022
@WGCtweet
The WGC joins over 35 other Canadian cultural and public advocacy organizations supporting Bill C-11, the Online Streaming Act. #C11
March 29, 2022
@coteau
With Bill #C11, we’re making sure that streaming platform giants help support & grow our 🇨🇦 arts & culture sector The Online Streaming Act means more jobs & investment for 🇨🇦 artists & creators. And it means the amazing content they produce more accessible to all of us #cdnpoli
March 29, 2022
@CDEC_CDCE
The CDCE is pleased that Bill #C11 on #broadcasting is being debated now in the House of Commons. Learn more and ask your MP to support the bill.
March 29, 2022
@pablorodriguez
@OurCommons is debating the Online Streaming Act today. What does it do? 5 things!👇🏼 #cdnpoli #C11
March 22, 2022
@CDEC_CDCE
#StandUpForC11 It is high time that online platforms contribute to the creation, enhancement and dissemination of local cultural expressions. Let's ask our MPs and Senators to support Bill #C11 ! #cdnpoli
March 9, 2022
@The_CMPA
Thank you @alexboulerice for your support of Canadian creators and storytellers! The Online Streaming Act will reinforce 🇨🇦 cultural sovereignty and level the playing field for independent producers.
February 26, 2022
@pablorodriguez
Exactly right. The Online Streaming Act supports more programming on Indigenous languages and cultures. We recognize the important of Indigenous community-owned and operated stations. #cdnpoli
February 23, 2022
@The_CMPA
“The broadcasting system should serve to safeguard, enrich & strengthen the cultural, political, social & economic fabric of 🇨🇦” CMPA president and CEO, Reynolds Mastin shares his take on Bill C-11 with @PlaybackOnline and @thecreativeschl Listen here.
February 22, 2022
@VictoriaAhearn
Playback has a new podcast series! Launched in collaboration with The Creative School at Ryerson, the four-part series examines the Online Streaming Act, aka Bill C-11
February 16, 2022
@The_CMPA
Great to see Bill C-11 reach 2nd reading in the @HoCChamber today. For years, foreign tech companies played by their own rules, while generating millions in revenue from Cdn audiences. It’s time to modernize the Broadcasting Act and include foreign tech giants. @pablorodriguez
February 16, 2022
Minister Rodriguez
Minister Rodriguez speaks at second reading
February 16, 2022
@pablorodriguez
What are people saying about the Online Streaming Act?
February 14, 2022
@friendscb
Canadian content is absolutely critical to Canadian culture. This is why FRIENDS will work to ensure that the new bill will compel streaming platforms to support our filmmakers, storytellers and creators.
February 3, 2022
@pablorodriguez
Our culture is not an accident. We chose to build a system that promotes Canadian music, movies and TV. We're updating our system to create space for a new generation of Canadian arts & culture. #cdnpoli
February 3, 2022
@markhollandlib
Our Minister of Canadian Heritage @pablorodriguez introduced an important bill - the Online Streaming Act - to modernize Canada’s broadcasting legislation for the digital era.
February 3, 2022
@MPACanada
We look forward to working with government & all members of the Heritage Committee to ensure Bill #C11 creates the modern & flexible framework necessary to achieve Canada’s cultural & economic ambitions. Our response to the Online Streaming Act here.
February 2, 2022
@The_CMPA
The CMPA welcomes the Online Streaming Act tabled today by Minister @pablorodriguez . It prioritizes Canadian companies and culture. We encourage MPs to work collaboratively across party lines to pass this important legislation. Read our press release
February 2, 2022
@HoCChamber
@pablorodriguez introduced Bill #C11 in the #HoC. The full text of the Bill will be available later today
February 2, 2022
@CdnHeritage
LATEST NEWS: Minister of Canadian Heritage just introduced a bill to amend the Broadcasting Act. Here are the details.
News
Coverage
June 22, 2022
Cultural stakeholders celebrate Bill C-11 passing third reading in House
June 22, 2022
Bill C-11 passes in House of Commons, moves onto Senate
June 6, 2022
Conservatives are spreading ‘misinformation’ about online streaming bill, heritage minister charges
May 16, 2022
KITT: Long past time to end streaming exemption
May 12, 2022
For Canada’s cultural sector, it’s now or never. We need the Online Streaming Act to end free rides for Big Tech
May 10, 2022
Majority of Canadians support federal government’s plan to regulate internet, poll shows
May 8, 2022
OP-ED: The Importance of Bill C-11
May 5, 2022
Quebec and French Canadian artists will be the losers if social media is unregulated, conference hear
May 4, 2022
COMMENTARY: The Importance of Canadian IP in defining Canadian content
May 3, 2022
COMMENTARY (part three): Will C-11 save Canadian content?
May 3, 2022
What's Canadian? Minister to modernize definition of a Canadian film and TV program
May 2, 2022
COMMENTARY (part three): Will C-11 save Canadian content?
April 27, 2022
COMMENTARY (part two): The critics of C-11
April 26, 2022
Op-ed: Growth and inclusion for a better Canada – the case for Bill C-11
April 12, 2022
Hollywood, foreign film productions reach record high in Canada in COVID's first year
April 9, 2022
COMMENTARY: Observations on the definition of a Canadian program
April 8, 2022
What's Canadian? Regulator will define what qualifies as a Canadian film
April 6, 2022
We can’t miss the major opportunity in the Online Streaming Act
April 5, 2022
CRTC can regulate the internet and protect free speech, its chairman says
April 5, 2022
CRTC chairperson says Bill C-11 provides ‘a more flexible approach to regulation’
April 4, 2022
CRTC chair weighs in on question of whether C-11 exempts social media users
March 29, 2022
Op-Ed – C-11: Can we change the conversation?
March 29, 2022
Feds signal room for tweaking online streaming bill in committee
March 15, 2022
The Sessions Episode 4: Diversity, representation and the Online Streaming Act
March 11, 2022
How Bill C-11 could change streaming services in Canada
March 10, 2022
(Video) Bill C-11: What Canadians need to know about the new Broadcasting Act
March 10, 2022
The removal of Russia’s RT and the importance of Bill C-11
March 9, 2022
Video: Bill C-11: The future of broadcasting and streaming in Canada
March 8, 2022
The Sessions Episode 3: Canada Media Fund poised for change ahead of Bill C-11
March 1, 2022
The Sessions podcast transcription: Episode 2
February 26, 2022
What exactly is Canadian content in the age of the web?
February 24, 2022
C-11 means more equality for Indigenous broadcasters: CFRC director
February 22, 2022
The Sessions podcast explores the Online Streaming Act: ‘It’s time we got unstuck’
February 22, 2022
The future of broadcasting in Canada is at stake
February 17, 2022
Heritage minister open to compromise over online streaming act: 'We’ll listen to the experts'
February 16, 2022
Heritage minister says Netflix, Disney should contribute more to Canadian culture
February 16, 2022
Bill C-11 goes into second reading
February 14, 2022
Further screen sector consultations ahead, says Minister Rodriguez
February 3, 2022
Supporters and critics weigh in on Online Streaming Act
February 3, 2022
PRIME TIME 2022: Bill C-11 needs to be passed (the sooner the better), panel says
February 2, 2022
CMPA, CAB welcome introduction of Online Streaming Act
February 2, 2022
Online Streaming Act will prioritize Canadian companies and culture: CMPA
February 2, 2022
Online streaming bill covers streaming giants, promotes Canadian content
February 2, 2022
Liberals re-introduce Broadcasting Act bill, pledge amendments will ensure individual social media users are exempt
MYTHS AND FACTS
There is a lot of misinformation out there about the Online Streaming Act and the need to update Canada’s broadcasting legislation. We’ve identified some of the biggest myths and provided facts to set the record straight.
Canadians don’t want updated broadcasting legislation.
Canadians support a fair system that puts Canadian companies on an equal footing with the global web giants and streaming services operating in this county.
- 87% of Canadians believe that foreign-owned web companies such as Apple, Google, and Netflix should be required to play by the same rules as domestic broadcasters.
- 87% also believe government policy should support Canadian-owned and headquartered film and TV producers.*
* Between August 13-20, Pollara Strategic Insights surveyed a randomly-selected sample of 2,004 adult (18+) Canadians on their opinions on the Canadian film & television section, the Broadcasting Act and Canadian independent production. As a guideline, a probability sample of this size carries a margin of error of ± 2.2%, 19 times out of 20.insert polling source info]
Updating Canada’s broadcasting legislation means the government is trying to regulate the entire internet.
Updated broadcasting legislation would only apply to broadcasting activities that have migrated online.
A helpful analogy: In response to the shift to online banking, Canada updated federal banking laws and regulations to apply to relevant online financial service activities.
Updated broadcasting legislation will do the same for broadcasting activities that corporations now carry out over the internet.
When looked at through the lenses of everything that people can do over the internet today, the potential impact of the Online Streaming Act on the internet is microscopic.
Some streaming services say updates to broadcasting legislation and regulations will force them to raise prices on Canadian subscribers.
Year-after-year we see foreign streaming services increase subscription costs for Canadians, while federal broadcasting legislation becomes increasingly outdated.
The Online Streaming Act will ensure these companies invest a portion of their Canadian revenues back into the Canadian system, which will contribute to a strong, sustainable domestic industry that produces phenomenal content for Canada and the world.
Not all federal political parties support modernizing Canada’s broadcasting laws
The Conservatives, Liberals, NDP, and Greens have all stated in their 2021 federal election campaign platforms that the outdated Broadcasting Act needs to be updated for the benefit of Canadian companies, Canadian creators, and Canadian audiences.
Download a PDF of these Myths and Facts as well as info on why the government must pass Bill C-11.
Download PDFIndie Is...
Who makes the Canadian shows and movies you love? Canada’s independent media producers!
Have a favourite Canadian TV show? Chances are an indie producer made it.
Those Canadian films getting all the hype on the festival circuit? Again, it’s more than likely you’re hearing about an indie producer’s work.
ABOUT THE CMPA
We represent Canada’s independent media producers, the business owners based in cities and towns across Canada that make the Canadian shows and movies you love. Producers are the creative entrepreneurs and risk takers that serve as the key touchpoint for all creative, financial, and business decisions that make a TV or film project a success.
Today they are on the front lines of Canada’s changing media landscape. And without long-overdue updates to Canada’s federal broadcasting legislation, the Canadian industry is at risk of becoming become a whole lot less Canadian.