Tell CRTC what Canadian content means to you!

What does it mean to be Canadian, and who should tell our stories? That’s the question the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is asking with a new consultation on modernizing their definition of Canadian Content as part of its plan to implement the Online Streaming Act, and they want your opinion about it!^1,2 This is a once in a generation opportunity for your voice to shape a stronger, more diverse creator ecosystem and push forward “Canadian” content that truly represents us all.

To share your thoughts before January 20, 2025, use our community survey below! We’ll deliver them in full to the CRTC, and use them to shape our formal written submission on what should come next for Canada’s Internet.

*Please note: This tool is collecting comments to be sent directly to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

Anything you include on this form will be submitted to the CRTC and will become part of the public record.

This campaign is hosted by OpenMedia. We will protect your privacy, and keep you informed about this campaign and others. Find OpenMedia's privacy policy here.

Looking for more details before sharing your opinion? Keep reading!

What is this consultation about?

The CRTC is working to modernize its definition of Canadian content as part of its plan to implement the Online Streaming Act.³ That’s the system that will decide who in Canada receives promotion and financial subsidies to tell Canadian stories– and who is left out. Best case, this process will make these definitions more flexible and make our content easier to find and more discoverable, distinctively Canadian but globally recognized. The new system could play a key role in determining how to best support diverse creators, including Indigenous and equity-deserving communities, and ensure Canadian content is available in both official languages. 

But worst case, this process could double down on what’s wrong with our current Canadian content system, subsidizing a minority of us to make official “Canadian” content for legacy media that fewer and fewer of us use, with Canadians making podcasts and videos for the Internet entirely ignored. Our survey aims to ensure OpenMedia’s community voices and YOUR voice are represented in this process.

Why does it matter?

There’s a lot that doesn’t work about the current Canadian content system, as we’ve documented for years.^4,5 This is a key opportunity for you to make sure the CRTC’s plan reflects what Canadians actually want—supporting new Canadian content that truly represents us, not a narrow, outdated idea of our country. Without your input, they won’t know what matters to you, and we risk ending up with another definition that doesn’t align with your values or needs. Your voice can shape a better future for Canadian stories and creators!

What happens next?

After the CRTC closes this public input round on January 20, 2025, they’ll hold a public hearing starting March 31, 2025, in Gatineau, Quebec. Following the hearing, we’ll address any feedback to keep advocating for a definition of Canadian content that truly reflects what Canadians care about. We’ll be there every step of the way to ensure your voices are heard and represented.

If you haven't taken action, click here.