The federal government’s finalized policy direction on Bill C-11, a.k.a. the Online Streaming Act, “complements and enhances” the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) modernizing efforts, according to chairperson and CEO Vicky Eatrides.

The policy direction was issued by the Department of Canadian Heritage on Tuesday (Nov. 14). It includes directives for the CRTC to prioritize examining its definition of Canadian content, and to recognize the role of independent producers and Canadian key creatives in creating programming for both Canadian and foreign undertakings.

“The new direction complements and enhances the CRTC’s efforts to modernize Canada’s regulatory framework,” said Eatrides in a statement, pointing to the upcoming three-week hearings to determine how online streaming services will contribute to Canadian and Indigenous content. “As we move forward to implement the new direction, Canadians can expect open, transparent, and respectful consultations leading to timely decisions.”

The finalized policy direction was welcomed by a number of industry organizations, including the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA), which thanked the federal government for following through “on its important commitment to modernize Canada’s broadcasting legislation.”

“While there are still important details to be worked out by the CRTC, the Online Streaming Act will go down in history as an essential piece of legislation that helped Canada’s media production sector grow to become a global leader in the 21st century,” continued the CMPA’s statement.

The Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) issued a statement that it “is encouraged that the policy direction to the CRTC reflects the need for equitable treatment for Canadian broadcasters as they compete directly with foreign platforms for audiences, subscribers, advertisers and program rights.”

“A stable foundation of a sound industrial policy for broadcasting in Canada must be a priority to support the public policy goals of the Online Streaming Act,” said CAB president Kevin Desjardins. “To continue their contributions to the creation of Canadian content, especially essential news and information programming, Canadian broadcasters must be provided with an equitable framework.”

The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) also voiced its support for the policy direction, saying that the directives “give hope” that domestic producers and performers will be supported under the modernized framework. The industry has previously voiced concern over the possibility of a two-tiered system between Canadian broadcasters and foreign undertakings over the use of Canadian talent.

“ACTRA is optimistic that the directive to maximize the use of Canadian creative and human resources, if enforced correctly, will improve the working lives of ACTRA performers and help strengthen the Canadian screen industry in the years to come,” said ACTRA National president Eleanor Noble.