Online-streaming bill closer to passing after House OKs most Senate amendments

A Liberal government bill that would require online streaming services to contribute to Canadian content is one step closer to passing after the House of Commons approved most of the Senate's amendments to the proposed legislation.

A Liberal government bill that would require online streaming services to contribute to Canadian content is one step closer to passing after the House of Commons approved most of the Senate's amendments to the proposed legislation.

If passed, Bill C-11 would update broadcasting rules to include online streaming and require tech giants such as YouTube, Netflix and Spotify to make Canadian content available to users in Canada -- or face steep penalties.

On Thursday evening, the House agreed to adopt Senate amendments that reinforce the promotion of Indigenous languages and Black content creators, and seek to ensure that funds collected from tech giants go toward promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.

The move received quick praise from those who advocate for the arts and media industry.

"Canadians deserve the ability to see their own stories, culture and points of view included in their content options. That is what C-11 is ultimately about," said Neal McDougall, assistant executive director of the Writers Guild of Canada, in a statement Friday.

However, Liberal, NDP and Bloc Quebecois MPs rejected a key amendment that YouTube had advocated for, which was worded to add further protections for people who upload content and shield them from government regulation.

Canadian Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez has said his government is against the amendment because it could create a loophole for big companies to avoid following the law.