QUESTION PERIOD — Canadian Heritage
News Media
June 10, 2026
My question to the Government Representative in the Senate will be on key aspects of news media. Last week, the cabinet directed the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, or CRTC, to scrap its directive that streamers should contribute 15% of their Canadian revenues to support Canadian broadcasting. I’m especially concerned about the news media.
Would the government, instead, consider spending 15% of its advertising budget on Canadian news rather than the current amount of less than 5%, something that would not cost the treasury any more money, or would they consider any other means of supporting Canadian news media?
Thank you, Senator Cardozo. The objective of the Online Streaming Act remains clear: ensuring that Canadian stories, creators and cultural industries continue to thrive in a rapidly changing media environment.
The government is committed to ensuring that the Online Streaming Act strikes a balance between supporting Canadian culture, maintaining affordability for consumers and ensuring flexibility for broadcasters and streaming services.
The government will be issuing a new policy directive to the CRTC, asking them to determine a rate that is more reflective of current pressures on the sector.
The government is also making a $600-million investment that will provide immediate relief and stability for Canadian creators and cultural industries.
