Trump’s tariff threat revives tensions over Canada’s Online Streaming Act
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Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on foreign-made films has reignited U.S. opposition to Canada’s Online Streaming Act, with experts warning the law could become a trade flashpoint if he returns to office, The Globe and Mail reports. The act, known as Bill C-11, requires foreign streaming giants to invest around $200 million annually in Canadian content and promote it on their platforms — a measure U.S. industry groups call discriminatory.
Graham Davies of the Digital Media Association urged Ottawa to halt implementation, calling the legislation “unfair.” Legal challenges by Netflix, Amazon, and Spotify are already underway in Canadian courts.
Meanwhile, Canadian industry leaders argue the policy is vital. “We need to be able to tell our stories without depending on [foreign companies],” said Reynolds Mastin of the Canadian Media Producers Association. Jack Blum of Reel Canada called Trump’s tariff threat “potentially disastrous” and urged Canada to strengthen ties with other international partners.
