Will the USMCA become an issue for implementation of C-11?
By Denis Carmel
OTTAWA – Officials from Canadian Heritage told the Senate Transportation and Communications Committee Tuesday that they were in regular contact with their American counterparts about legislation that would give the CRTC enhanced authority to regulate online platforms.
Owen Ripley, associate assistant deputy minister of cultural affairs, said the government is navigating the United States-Mexico-Canada trade deal and must ensure it is not offside of the trade agreement with bill C-11, the Online Streaming Bill.
As for whether there would be possible retaliation for further regulating American firms, Heritage officials at the hearing did not wade into the matter.
Senator Michael MacDonald from Nova Scotia noted, however, that officials will be moved by what Congress decides. “I will make the point that American officials are not Congress,” MacDonald said. “Congress operates on a much different level. If they push, the American officials will give way.”
The committee heard issues related to the bill, including user-generated content, discoverability requirements, powers of cabinet to impose directions on the CRTC, the definition of Canadian Content, and the difference of treatment between broadcasters and streamers on their obligation on the use (predominant or not) of Canadian personnel.
The instance of having department officials at a clause-by-clause hearing is not common, but “has happened on occasion,” according to a Senate procedure document.
The committee reconvenes today between 6:45 p.m. and 9:45 PM.
Photo of Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez
