The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) has called on Canada to eliminate discriminatory digital policies that conflict with its commitments under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), following the Canadian government's directive to the CRTC to review its implementation of the Online Streaming Act. The Washington-based think tank for science and technology policy released a statement on June 8, 2026, describing the CRTC review as "a welcome step" but insisting Canada should go further to align its digital policies with its trade commitments.
According to Rodrigo Balbontin, ITIF's associate director for trade, IP and digital technology governance policy, Canada has been "singling out foreign digital services for special burdens" in pursuit of supporting its creative industries. The report states that CUSMA enters its first formal joint review on July 1, with the renewal and strengthening of the agreement positioned as a top priority for all three North American countries. ITIF characterizes CUSMA as "a template for digital integration" that includes a prohibition on discriminating against digital products, which the think tank argues Canada's current policies violate.
The report argues that Canada's approach to protecting its creative industries runs counter to CUSMA's design, which was intended "to promote open, non-discriminatory digital trade across North America." ITIF acknowledges that Canada has "legitimate reasons to support and protect its creative industries" but contends that the method—imposing special requirements on foreign streaming services—conflicts with the spirit of the trade agreement. The statement emphasizes that the three CUSMA countries should work to uphold the agreement's core commitments while enforcing non-discrimination principles as the renegotiation approaches.
ITIF's position reflects broader tensions between national cultural policy goals and digital trade liberalization commitments. The think tank frames the upcoming CUSMA review as an opportunity to deepen economic integration and build "a more innovative and competitive regional market" across North America. Rather than abandoning support for Canadian creators, the report recommends Canada pursue this goal "through transparent, non-discriminatory cultural programs" that don't place differential burdens on foreign digital services. With the July 1 review date approaching, ITIF is pushing for Canada to reconcile its domestic content regulations with its international trade obligations before CUSMA renegotiations intensify.