The National Post reports in its Saturday edition that the CRTC's order for Netflix, Amazon and other major streamers to collect diversity data raises concerns, as it often leads to the implementation of quotas.
The Post's Jamie Sarkonak writes that the CRTC's new policy on Canadian content includes a requirement for broadcasters to collect diversity data on key creative personnel, specifically regarding their race, disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ identification and gender. This update, released earlier in November, reflects the CRTC's ongoing efforts to formalize diversity requirements.
A new requirement is being introduced as a way to respect the law. In 2023, the Liberals passed Bill C-11 (the Online Streaming Act), which emphasized diversity in the Broadcasting Act.
The Broadcasting Act now emphasizes that the broadcasting system should support programming for non-white communities. While it does not explicitly mandate quotas or demographic tracking, this is increasingly how it is being interpreted.
The CRTC's decision to require diversity statistics notes that some broadcasters must report on women's presence in key production roles and track spending on content by indigenous and official language minority producers.
© 2026 Canjex Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.