The Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) thanks the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) for its hard work leading up to its May 21 release of The Path Forward – Supporting the creation and distribution of Canadian programming in the audio-visual sector – Part 2 – A modernized framework for Canadian programming expenditures.
“Yesterday’s decision is a significant step forward in the vitally important work of implementing the Online Streaming Act, and modernizing the Broadcasting Act,” said WGC Executive Director Victoria Shen. “Canadian cultural sovereignty matters now more than ever. A robust and equitable contribution framework from broadcasters and streamers is necessary to ensure a future for the screen industry in Canada, and this moves us closer to that goal.”
At the same time, the WGC is deeply concerned about the discontinuation of the policy supporting “Programs of national interest” or “PNI”, which include Canadian programming in the genres of drama, including children’s and youth programming and animation, and long-form documentaries.
“Drama, kids’ shows, animation, and documentaries are fundamentally at-risk genres of Canadian programming,” said WGC President Bruce Smith. “When we talk about the need to support Canadian content and Canadian voices, it is the vulnerability of these genres in particular that is at the root of the discussion.”
The CRTC recognized “the production of a diversity of genres of programming is critical,” and it “will ensure through future processes, including on tailored conditions of service, that the system continues to support the diverse range of genres”. The WGC will be relying on the Commission to follow through on the protection of genres in the upcoming “tailored conditions of service” proceedings expected later this year.
“We also need to ensure there is transparency in how these new obligations are rolled out,” said Smith. “Canadians deserve to know these large corporations are delivering on their obligations to audiences and the industry.”
The Online Streaming Act was clearly intended to grow opportunities for Canadian voices and jobs in Canada. The WGC will continue to advocate for the realization of that important outcome.
“There is no one better equipped to represent Canadians on our screens and capture our values, our diversity, our history and lived experiences, our hopes and imagination than Canadian screenwriters,” said Shen.
