CRTC Opens Another Consultation: Accessibility for Online Streaming

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has opened another public consultation—this time asking how TV broadcasters and online streaming services can make their content easier to access for people with disabilities.

The regulator says it’s heard that some programming remains difficult to navigate for those who are blind or partially sighted and is considering whether its accessibility rules need updating. Canadians can submit feedback until December 15, 2025, through an online form, email, fax, or by mailing a letter to the CRTC.

“Canadians should be able to find and enjoy the content that matters to them. That is why we are launching a public consultation to help ensure that content is accessible to everyone,” said CRTC Chairperson and CEO Vicky Eatrides late last week.

This marks yet another consultation from the CRTC, which frequently seeks public input on broadcasting and telecom issues that may or may not lead to real policy changes. But hey, it keeps federal workers busy, right? The Commission says the goal is to identify and remove barriers for those who rely on tools like screen readers, closed captioning, or described video when watching content online or on television.

Online streamers from big companies such as Apple, Amazon, Netflix and Spotify are already fighting the CRTC in court over the Online Streaming Act, which forces them to pay 0.5% of revenues towards Canadian content.