TORONTO — Canada’s screen industry is emerging with a stronger sense of national identity amid growing tensions with the United States and an evolving global streaming landscape. The recent Canadian Screen Awards highlighted both the country’s creative achievements and the challenges it faces as its domestic productions gain international recognition.
The industry, which generates billions in revenue and employs hundreds of thousands, has long been known as “Hollywood North” due to its role as a hub for American productions. However, this year saw homegrown content like “Heated Rivalry,” a hockey drama based on Nova Scotia author Rachel Reid’s romance novels, captivate audiences both domestically and abroad, including streaming platforms such as HBO in the U.S.
At the awards ceremony held in downtown Toronto, Canadian and American industry figures mingled alongside producers, actors, and technicians, signaling close collaboration despite political tensions. Actor Mike Myers was honored for his lifetime contributions, expressing deep gratitude to Canada for shaping his career. Eugene Levy paid tribute to the late Catherine O’Hara, reflecting the event’s emotional undertones and strong emphasis on Canadian cultural pride.
Yet beneath the celebration lay questions about the industry’s future, particularly concerning the role of American streaming giants like Netflix and their impact on Canadian content creation. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission recently moved to impose a 15 percent tax on revenues earned by major streamers in Canada to fund domestic and Indigenous productions. This decision was subsequently blocked by the federal government, prompting criticism from the Canadian Media Producers Association, which accused officials of favoring U.S. tech interests over national culture.
“The free ride for the big U.S. tech giants must end,” the association said in a statement. Meanwhile, the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, which hosted the awards, positioned itself as a neutral forum amid these debates, encompassing members from both Canadian and international streaming services. Tammy Frick, the academy’s chief executive, emphasized the importance of finding a funding model suited to Canada’s industry, noting that other countries are securing reinvestment commitments from streamers.
Several productions underscored Canada’s distinct cultural voice. In addition to “Heated Rivalry,” the CBC’s Indigenous-led series “North of North” experienced global success after being picked up by Netflix and renewed for a second season. These works, deeply rooted in Canadian settings and stories, contrast with some shows produced to appeal broadly to North American audiences without overtly Canadian elements.
Actors such as Hudson Williams, who won best lead performer for “Heated Rivalry,” embody the new generation of Canadian talent breaking through on the international stage. Williams shared the spotlight with his co-star, Texan Connor Storrie, highlighting the inclusive and collaborative nature of the industry.
As Canadian creators assert their own narratives, comedian Mae Martin noted that the country’s cultural identity often champions perspectives from the margins, fostering a distinct creative spirit. Against the backdrop of geopolitical friction and market pressures, Canada’s entertainment sector is navigating how to protect and promote its artistic sovereignty while participating in a global media ecosystem.