Vicky Eatrides, chairperson and CEO of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), has defended the regulator's progress on implementing the Online Streaming Act, pushing back against critics who argue the commission has been moving too slowly.
In an interview at the CRTC's offices in Gatineau, Que., on Wednesday, Eatrides emphasized the complexity of the task at hand. The Online Streaming Act, which received royal assent in April 2023, aims to bring streaming services under the same regulatory framework as traditional broadcasters, requiring them to contribute to Canadian content.
“We have been working diligently to ensure that we get this right,” Eatrides said. “This is a significant piece of legislation that requires careful consideration and consultation with stakeholders across the country.”
Critics, including some industry players and consumer advocates, have expressed frustration with the pace of implementation. They argue that the CRTC has been slow to issue regulations, leaving streaming services in a state of uncertainty and delaying the benefits for Canadian creators.
However, Eatrides countered that the CRTC has already taken important steps. The commission has launched public consultations on key aspects of the act, including how to define Canadian content and what contributions streaming services should make. “We are committed to a transparent and inclusive process,” she added.
The Online Streaming Act is part of a broader effort to modernize Canada's broadcasting framework. It requires streaming giants like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video to invest in Canadian programming and promote discoverability of Canadian content.
Eatrides noted that the CRTC is mindful of the need to balance regulatory requirements with the dynamic nature of the streaming market. “We want to ensure that Canadian stories are told and heard, but we also want to foster innovation and competition,” she said.
The debate over the pace of implementation comes as the CRTC faces increasing scrutiny from Parliament and the public. Some members of Parliament have called for the commission to move faster, warning that delays could undermine the act's objectives.
Despite the criticism, Eatrides expressed confidence in the CRTC's approach. “We are on track to deliver a robust regulatory framework that will benefit Canadians for years to come,” she said.
