Quebec’s Streaming Law and Fines May Spark Federal Showdown

The Quebec government last week proposed a new law that would force major streaming platforms—such as Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music—to prioritize and promote French-language content.

The province says the goal is to make it easier for Quebecers to discover and access francophone music, TV, and films, but critics say the move could spark a legal battle with the federal government. That’s because broadcasting is a federal jurisdiction.

Bill 109, introduced by Quebec Minister of Culture and Communications Mathieu Lacombe, would allow the province to set minimum quotas for French-language content and ensure it’s easily accessible on streaming services. The proposed law would also give Quebecers the right to access francophone culture under the province’s Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. Essentially, French-language content would be prioritized by default from streaming services and also apply to smart TVs and connected devices.

“We can’t choose something that isn’t offered to us. We can’t like something we don’t know,” said Lacombe, adding that access to local French-language content must be simple and visible, he said to the National Post.

The proposed rules could result in fines of up to $15,000 for individuals and $300,000 for companies that don’t comply. Lacombe hasn’t said what the quotas will be, only that they’ll be defined in future regulations.

But some legal experts warn the province is venturing into federal territory. Ottawa has already passed its own law—Bill C-11—aimed at boosting Canadian content on digital platforms.

“There’s constitutional issues over who has jurisdiction over communications and broadcasting control,” said Peter Menzies, former CRTC vice chair, in an interview with the National Post.

Critics, like University of Ottawa law professor Michael Geist, say Quebec’s approach could backfire. He warns that platforms might simply block access in Quebec rather than adjust content to meet provincial rules—potentially cutting off services for users in the province.

YouTube Canada and the federal government said they are reviewing the proposed legislation. Federal Minister of Canadian Heritage Steven Guilbeault’s office said the bill is under examination and that Canadian content should be available “in Canadians’ official language of choice.”

Despite the growing political friction, Lacombe defended Quebec’s stance, calling the province “fully sovereign” when it comes to culture and language. “We are within our area of jurisdiction, so we legislate within our area of jurisdiction,” he said.

It’s not getting any easier for foreign streaming services in Canada. The CRTC’s hearings that ended this week already are seeing broadcasters push for streamers to pay into CanCon. Any major requirements or changes could result in price increases or even services ditching Quebec altogether.