Quebec to impose French-language quotas on streaming giants

Quebec Culture Minister Mathieu Lacombe introduced a groundbreaking bill, known as Bill 109, that aims to increase the visibility of French-language content on major streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney, and Spotify. This legislation, which has been in development for over a year, would require these platforms to meet a “visibility quota” for French-language content, following in the footsteps of European Union countries.

The bill comes at a critical time, with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) holding public hearings on a new definition of Canadian content as part of the Online Streaming Act implementation. This has brought to light tensions between traditional media players and foreign streaming giants.

Lacombe emphasized that the goal of the bill is to protect and promote French language and culture, aligning with the government’s vision for safeguarding the French language in Quebec. He highlighted the need to reverse the trend of only 8.5% of music listened to in Quebec being in French, especially among younger generations.

One of the key provisions of Bill 109 is to make French-language content more discoverable and accessible on digital platforms. Platforms offering video or music streaming services would be required to present their interfaces in French by default, providing easy access to original French-language cultural content. Non-compliance with these regulations could result in financial penalties for companies.

In terms of trade relations, Lacombe acknowledged potential challenges from the United States, particularly under the CUSMA agreement. However, he emphasized the importance of invoking the cultural exception clause to protect Quebec’s cultural sovereignty.

The bill has received support from the Parti Québécois, with MNA Joël Arseneau highlighting the need to support local productions and protect the industry from the competitive pressures of global streaming giants. He stressed the importance of ensuring that Quebec producers have the resources and support to create high-quality content that resonates with audiences.

Overall, Bill 109 represents a bold step towards promoting French language and culture in the digital landscape, showcasing Quebec’s commitment to cultural sovereignty and diversity.