WASHINGTON DC – National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) Senior Director for Trade and Innovation, Brad Wood, today issued a statement on the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) consultation on Canadian programming as part of the implementation of the Online Streaming Act.
“Canada continues to adopt discriminatory digital policies that unfairly target American companies. These overlapping and onerous rules unfairly tax U.S. businesses that operate and create significant economic benefits for Canada. Not only are these rules offside Canada’s trade obligations, they create a climate unfriendly to investment and harm competitiveness in a sector with a longstanding history of collaboration.
“This rulemaking sits alongside requirements that U.S. streaming platforms contribute to a fund to subsidize unrelated budgetary shortfalls in Canada, including contributions to local news, as well as the discriminatory digital services tax.
“NFTC recognizes the importance of supporting cultural industries and fostering strong Canadian programming, but the proposal needs to account for the significant content online platforms develop in Canada, and their critical role in amplifying Canadian programming and culture to the world. We hope to work with the Government of Canada to support discussions and consultations on how the broadcasting reform provisions can be amended to meet CRTC’s objectives while not unduly burdening U.S. companies.
“NFTC looks forward to working with the Administration and Congress to develop a strong digital leadership agenda to foster global competitiveness and defend against unfair trade practices around the world, including with our closest trading partner to the North.”
Read NFTC’s full submission here.
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About the NFTC
The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) is the premier business association advancing trade and tax policies that support access to the global marketplace. Founded in 1914, NFTC promotes an open, rules-based global economy on behalf of a diverse membership of U.S.-based businesses.