TORONTO (June 3, 2026) – ACTRA is shocked by the federal government’s decision to dismantle the contribution obligations for foreign streaming giants and instead replace those investments with a $600 million taxpayer-funded investment for Canada’s broadcasting and cultural sector. ACTRA has long advocated for a broadcasting system that ensures those who profit from the Canadian market contribute fairly to the creation, production, and promotion of Canadian content, and considers this a significant step backwards for our industry’s future.
“We endured years of debate to finally get an Online Streaming Act that would require billionaire-owned streamers to pay the bare minimum into Canadian culture,” said ACTRA National President Eleanor Noble. “We thought we were finally there. Instead, today’s decision lets billionaire streamers and studios completely off the hook. Rather than requiring wealthy media companies to modestly invest in Canada’s cultural ecosystem, Ottawa has chosen to transfer that responsibility to Canadian taxpayers under the guise of ‘consumer protection’.”
This backdoor ‘subscription increase’ does not benefit Canadian consumers – it appeases American corporate interests. “Our industry was assured that culture would not be a bargaining chip in North American free trade negotiations, but this decision proves differently.” adds Noble.
ACTRA is reviewing the details and its implications for Canadian performers, creators, and the broader screen-based industry. The union is deeply concerned about what this decision will mean for the creation, sustainability, and discoverability of Canadian stories and particularly about the thousands of performers’ jobs – and the entire industry itself in Canada – that this will ultimately impact.
About ACTRA:
The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) is the national union of professional performers working in recorded media in Canada. ACTRA represents the interests of more than 30,000 members across the country — the foundation of Canada’s highly acclaimed professional performing community.
Media Contact:
Carol Taverner, Public Relations Officer: ctaverner@actra.ca