(Montreal) While the world of culture rejoiced earlier this week at the decision of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to impose a royalty on foreign broadcast platforms, the Regroupement desproducers independents de cinéma du Quebec (RPICQ) claims that “the CRTC is abandoning cinema.”
The RPICQ expressed its disappointment in a press release published Friday. While it recognizes that the CRTC’s decision can be seen as “a historic step forward”, the think tank, which includes several Quebec filmmakers and producers, is not satisfied.
On the contrary, by looking at how this 5% royalty will be used, the RPICQ is sorry that the Canadian film industry is “left behind by the CRTC”.
The royalty will be donated to several funds encouraging independent media and Canadian audiovisual creation, but the RPICQ criticizes the CRTC for not giving a portion to the film industry.
The office of Minister of Canadian Heritage Pascale St-Onge reacted by recalling that the CRTC was independent in the implementation of the law on continuous online broadcasting.
“The CRTC process is consultative, open and inclusive of all players in this ecosystem. They are best placed to use their expertise to assess the needs of all parts of the audiovisual sector,” he said by email.
“The good news recently announced by the CRTC constitutes a first step among others in the implementation of the law on online broadcasting. We encourage all stakeholders to continue engaging with the CRTC. »
The RPICQ did not make a written representation to the CRTC during the consultation period leading to its decision on Tuesday, based on proposals submitted by professional associations, La Presse Canadienne was told.
The minister’s office adds that other measures will be put in place to support the industry and that several actions are already moving in this direction. An investment of 100 million was notably granted to Telefilm Canada in the 2024 budget, he recalls.
“We passed the Online Streaming Act so that Canadians can see themselves in the stories and music available on new digital platforms, while investing in future generations of artists in Canada. […] This law constitutes a first step towards the ultimate objective of a more equitable framework,” specifies Ms. St-Onge’s office.
Bill C-11, which will require foreign streaming platforms such as Spotify or Netflix to return 5% of their revenues earned in Canada to the Canadian audiovisual sector, will be effective as of September 1, 2024.