The Motion Picture Association of Canada (MPA-Canada), which represents Netflix, Disney, Amazon and Paramount, argued at a CRTC hearing that foreign streaming platforms should not be held to the same strict requirements for Canadian content as traditional broadcasters.

The hearing is part of the implementation of the Streaming Act, which covers online platforms for the first time. The discussion focuses on a new definition of "Canadian content" and financial contributions to the national support system.

MPA-Canada insists that foreign services should be able to invest directly in production, rather than be required to pay into funds like Canadian TV channels. Currently, local broadcasters are required to spend up to 30% of their revenue on Canadian content, while streaming services are required to spend 5%. Foreign platforms are challenging these rules in court.

At the same time, Canadian media holding Corus proposes equalizing the rates for everyone - 20% of revenue.

The CRTC's proposal to retain the existing points system for Canadians in key creative roles has also sparked controversy. Streamers see the system as outdated and not reflective of the global marketplace.

MPA-Canada President Wendy Noss stressed: "These platforms are global, and forcing them to operate under Canadian rules is unrealistic."