Canada's broadcast regulator has announced significant updates to what qualifies as Canadian content, drawing a clear line in the sand against artificial intelligence. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) revealed its revised definition on November 18, 2025, marking a pivotal moment for the country's cultural landscape.
What Counts as Canadian Content Now?
The updated framework maintains that for creative works to be recognized as Canadian, they must meet specific criteria demonstrating substantial Canadian creative contribution. Content generated primarily by artificial intelligence systems will not qualify under the new definition, regardless of where the AI technology originates.
This clarification comes as CRTC Vice-Chairperson of Broadcasting Nathalie Theberge chaired public hearings in Gatineau, Quebec, throughout September 2025. The decision reflects growing concerns about preserving authentic Canadian cultural expression in an era of rapidly advancing AI technology.
Protecting Canadian Cultural Sovereignty
The CRTC's move represents a proactive stance on maintaining the integrity of Canadian storytelling. By excluding AI-generated material from counting toward Canadian content requirements, the regulator aims to ensure that human creative talent remains at the core of Canada's cultural production.
This decision affects broadcasters who must meet Canadian content quotas and creators seeking recognition and support for their work. The updated definition provides clearer guidelines for what constitutes genuine Canadian creative expression in television, radio, and digital media.
Implications for Media Industry
The exclusion of AI-generated content from Canadian content calculations means broadcasters and production companies cannot use AI tools to meet their regulatory obligations. This maintains the original intent of Canadian content rules: to support and showcase human creative talent from across the country.
The announcement comes amid broader discussions about AI's role in creative industries worldwide. Canada's approach positions the country as taking a measured stance that values human creativity while acknowledging technological advancements.
As AI technology continues to evolve, the CRTC has indicated it will monitor developments and may provide further guidance on how AI tools can be used ethically within the Canadian broadcasting system without compromising the goals of cultural protection.
