The lower chamber of Canada’s parliament on Tuesday approved legislation that will subject internet streaming services to the oversight of the nation’s broadcast regulator and oblige companies like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify to provide more local content.
With the assistance of the opposition New Democrats and Bloc Quebecois, the measure was introduced by the Liberal administration of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and passed by 208 votes to 117.
The proposal, according to the government, will make sure that internet streaming services support local jobs and promote Canadian stories and music. Critics assert that the bill’s issues, such as the possible impact on independent content providers, were not addressed and that it was pushed to a vote.
The measure was filed in February by Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez, who claims that ordinary Canadians would not be affected by the amendments because they are intended for commercial shows being broadcast online.
Once Bill C-11 is approved by the Senate, the upper chamber, and given royal assent, it will go into effect.
