Ottawa announced it will reopen talks with Netflix, Disney+ and other foreign streaming services about the contribution rates required under the 2023 Online Streaming Act . The move comes as the United States presses Canada over what it sees as a trade barrier, while a Bank of Canada report flags rising refinancing risk for Toronto homeowners .

Ottawa to renegotiate streaming contribution rates from 5% to 15%

Senior officials told reporters the government will ask the CRTC to revisit a decision that would have pushed platforms to pay between five and fifteen percent of their Canadian revenue to fund domestic content.. No final figure has been set, but the language of a "more reasonable rate" suggests the earlier target may be softend .

U.S. trade concerns drive softening of Online Streaming Act

According to the source, the United States has labelled the Act a potential barrier that could hurt American film and music distributors, prompting Ottawa to seek a compromise. Treasury Board insiders say the renegotiation aims to smooth relations ahead of pending trade talks, even as the government balances cultural support with commercial realities.

Bank of Canada warns 9% of Toronto borrowers face refinancing strain

The central bank's latest financial stability report highlighted that roughly nine percent of Toronto mortgage holders cannot extract equity after property values fell, raising the risk of refinancing difficulties. A further ten‑percent drop in home prices could push the share unable to refinance to twelve percent in Toronto and seven percent nationwide.

Who will decide Streit Group's fate amid sanctions allegations?

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand's office said it is seeking additional advice before taking action on the Streit Group, which has been accused of supplying military vehicles to sanctioned regimes, including alleged support for Russian aggression in Ukraine. The government has not yet penalised the firm, leaving its future uncertain.

What final contribution rate will be agreed?

Sources close to the Treasury Board indicate negotiations will involve both the streaming giants and domestic broadcasters, but the exact percentage remains undisclosed. Critics argue that any rate below the proposed fifteen percent could undermine funding for Canadian content, while industry players warn that higher fees could drive platforms to limit Canadian offerings.