The United States used recent trade negotiations to challenge Canadian streaming regulations, not Quebec's French-language labeling requirements, according to sources cited by the Montreal Gazette.
The distinction emerged as officials on both sides discussed the breakdown of the talks. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick claimed Canada walked away from the table because of the Quebec election and an Alberta referendum, the National Post reported. Meanwhile, Canadian Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc welcomed the U.S. decision to drop its positions on language and culture, according to CBC.
The streaming rules at issue are those set to be implemented by the CRTC, Canada's broadcast regulator, which would require foreign streaming platforms to contribute to Canadian content. Global News reported that these rules have drawn opposition from the U.S. side.
The dispute over French has become a notable flashpoint in the broader Canada-U.S. trade conflict, with CNN reporting on why the language issue has proven so contentious. Quebec's labeling laws, which require French on product packaging, had been seen as a potential target, but sources now indicate the U.S. focus was narrower.
The talks have stalled amid these disagreements, with each side offering different explanations for the impasse. Canadian officials have pointed to U.S. demands on cultural protections, while Lutnick has blamed domestic political factors in Canada.
What to watch next: Whether the CRTC proceeds with its streaming rules as scheduled, and if the U.S. renews its objections in future trade discussions.
