Canada's Parliament has passed legislation that requires online streaming platforms operating
in the country to develop Canadian content.
The new legislation places streaming platforms under Canada’s broadcast regulator and
compels companies such as Netflix (NFLX), Disney (DIS) and Spotify (SPOT) to offer more
Canadian content.
The bill, brought forward by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government, was
approved in the House of Commons by a vote of 208 in favour and 117 against, with support
from the opposition New Democratic Party and Bloc Quebecois.
The federal government says the legislation will help ensure that online streaming services
promote Canadian music, movies and television shows, and support Canadian jobs.
Critics claim the legislation was rushed to a vote and that its potential impact on independent
content creators was not sufficiently addressed.
Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez has said that the new legislation applies to commercial
programming that is streamed online in Canada and does not apply to individuals.
