We have three proposals, and we'll outline them shortly. However, underpinning all that we have to say today is a deep concern about the future of the Online Streaming Act. This legislation was the result of a decade of public consultations, industry input and dedicated policy work. It has the laudable goal of ensuring that U.S. streamers, who make billions from Canadian audiences, invest a portion of those revenues back into the production of Canadian stories.
Last week, the government pressed pause on the regulatory framework needed to implement these important pieces of legislation. In doing so, it may have inadvertently pulled the rug out from under the future of Canadian content. The government must defend the Online Streaming Act. Abandoning or further weakening it would be a historic mistake.
Since Mark Carney became Prime Minister last year, Canadians have applauded his overt efforts to defend Canadian sovereignty and to strengthen our country's economic self-reliance. In January, at our national industry conference, the Prime Minister loudly proclaimed his support for a domestic broadcasting system that produces Canadian stories like Heated Rivalry, the global hit. Where did this Prime Minister go? Canada needs him back. Our cultural sovereignty as a nation is at stake.