Full Breakdown
CRTC Updates Definition of Canadian Content Amidst Industry Challenges
11/19/2025, 6:02:07 AM
New Definition and Regulatory Changes
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has modernized its definition of "Canadian content," commonly referred to as CanCon, to better reflect the evolving landscape of the broadcasting industry. This update, announced recently, introduces a points system where productions must now earn at least 60% of awardable points to qualify as Canadian. The CRTC has expanded the range of creative roles that contribute to this scoring, including positions such as showrunners, heads of costume design, and special effects directors, while maintaining that key creative roles like directors and screenwriters must be filled by humans, not artificial intelligence (AI).
This decision is part of the CRTC's ongoing efforts to align regulations with the current production environment, particularly in light of competition from foreign streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and Apple. These companies are currently challenging Canadian content requirements in court, arguing that such regulations impose unfair trade barriers.
Implications for Canadian Productions
The updated CanCon definition aims to encourage more Canadian productions by allowing for bonus points for content based on Canadian literature or featuring identifiable Canadian characters and settings. Scott Shortliffe, CRTC vice-president of broadcasting, stated that the goal is to spur collaborations and increase investment in Canadian productions, ultimately leading to higher-quality content.
In addition to the points system, the CRTC has established that at least 20% of copyright for a production must be held by a Canadian entity, ensuring that Canadian companies maintain control over their intellectual property. This move is seen as a way to balance the interests of foreign investors with the need for Canadian ownership in the creative sector.
Industry Reactions and Criticism
The Canadian Association of Broadcasters has expressed support for the CRTC's decision, describing it as balanced and flexible while emphasizing the importance of Canadian ownership of intellectual property. However, some industry stakeholders have raised concerns. Josh Tabish, senior director for the U.S. trade group Chamber of Progress, criticized the new policies as a "complex, outdated approach" that could hinder the sharing of Canadian stories globally.
Digital rights group OpenMedia has also voiced opposition, arguing that the new definition fails to adequately represent the diversity of Canadian experiences. They contend that the requirement for all lead characters to be Canadian or Indigenous to qualify for bonus points is overly restrictive and does not reflect the multicultural nature of Canadian society.
What's Next
The CRTC's recent announcement is the first of two decisions stemming from consultations held earlier this year. A second ruling, expected soon, will address spending obligations for Canadian programs, including news, and financial contributions to the independent production sector. The outcome of these decisions will be closely monitored by industry stakeholders as they navigate the challenges posed by both domestic and international competition.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What we're trying to do in this definition is broaden it so that more productions can be certified as Canadian,” — Scott Shortliffe, CRTC Vice-President of Broadcasting
- “Today the CRTC failed to recognize Canada,” — Matt Hatfield, Executive Director of OpenMedia
- “This decision introduces greater flexibility for producers and broadcasters to meet these spending requirements while supporting Canadian culture and protecting jobs,” — Scott Shortliffe, CRTC Vice-President of Broadcasting
- “We are also encouraged by the commission’s commitments to reducing administrative burden and levelling the reporting requirements of foreign and Canadian broadcasting companies,” — Kevin Desjardins, President of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters
