Rep. Lloyd Smucker, R-Pa., speaks at a campaign rally on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Newtown, Pa. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

By The Canadian Press

U.S. congressman introduces bill targeting Online Streaming Act

Mar 20, 2026 | 11:20 AM

OTTAWA — A Republican congressman in Washington has introduced a new bill taking aim at Canada’s Online Streaming Act.

The bill would trigger an investigation into the streaming legislation by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, Rep. Lloyd Smucker’s office says in a news release.

It says if the trade representative finds the implementation of the streaming bill discriminates against or burdens American commerce, the USTR would be directed to take “necessary retaliatory action.”

Under the Online Streaming Act, the federal broadcast regulator has ordered large foreign platforms to make a five per cent contribution toward Canadian content.

That’s made the bill a target in trade negotiations with the United States.

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U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has criticized the impact of the Online Streaming Act and Online News Act on U.S. digital service providers ahead of the review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade deal.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 20, 2026.

Anja Karadeglija, The Canadian Press