As the Parliamentary Committee begins studying the C-10 bill on broadcasting this week in Ottawa, the Conservatives have returned to charges with their requests for details of that promise.
On November 5, we asked the minister on the Canadian Heritage Standing Committee to reveal the surrounding details […] $ 830 million a year in additional investment in Canadian content
Conservative MP Alan Rees said.
He added that the minister and his senior officials were still unable to provide these important details. It is an unacceptable lack of transparency. This attests to the total improvisation of liberal government.
But how did the government pledge to increase $ 830 million in Canadian content?
When the bill was introduced on November 3, Heritage Minister Stephen Gilbolt said that by imposing similar obligations on Canadian broadcasters, that is, between 25% and 45% of their revenue into Canadian production, the new measures would make it possible to pump Almost a billion dollars in the ecosystem
.
Ministry documents stated that Online broadcasters’ contributions to Canadian music and stories could reach $ 830 million annually by 2023
.
However, this came with a warning that seems to have since been forgotten.
This number will be reached if The CRTC Online broadcasters are required to contribute Canadian content at a rate comparable to traditional broadcasters
.
In other words: the government will not impose quotas or thresholds in the law. He will give power to CRTC Regulating digital platforms, and this is expected to impose investment obligations.
So it will be in CRTC Determine the amount and type of contributions required from each distributor, whether traditional or online.
Assuming the CRTC decided on contributions from Internet broadcasters even before the hearings took place and assuming that the Internet broadcasters would accept any new terms without saying anything.
Representative from the Quebecos Bloc Martin Champox said.
It is more magical thinking than an accounting estimate.
Same story with Alexandre Puliris from the New Democratic Party.
The promise to provide hundreds of millions of dollars for Canadian content is worthless if it is CRTC He said he did not have enough room to force Netflix in this world to abide by the broadcast law. The liberals must stop hunching over the web giants.
Hopes are limited
The cultural community welcomes the federal government’s position on this issue, but concerns remain. In particular, she fears that the contributions of foreign players will not meet expectations.
The President and CEO of the Quebec Media Production Association, Helen Messier, is also concerned that the new measures reduce Canadian companies’ contributions to content.
The new money that will be put into the system should be added and not to compensate for investment losses on the part of the existing players
, She said in an interview.
As for the promise to acquire 830 million from foreign platforms, Ms Messier thinks it is too early to know if it will come true.
It may sound optimistic to me, but I hope it is realistic
, She responded.
Netflix s’oppose aux quas
According to Canada lobbyist registry, Netflix interfered with this bill with Mr. Guilbeault and Mr. Rayes.
Sources say Netflix has expressed disagreement with the 30% revenue formula for Canadian content, and are calling for more flexibility depending on the services provided for each platform.
Netflix raised the 30% issue, in which we told them that we do not intend to place stakes or thresholds in the law itself, and that it will CRTC Determine the amount and type of contributions required from each distributor, whether traditional or online
The Minister’s press secretary, Stephen Gilbault, explained Camille Ganey-Renault.
She added that the government expects a C-10 It restores justice between traditional and online players, and requires commensurate efforts between different companies
.