TORONTO — Canada’s film and television industry is increasingly asserting its unique identity amid ongoing debates over cultural representation and regulatory challenges as it seeks to step out of the shadow of the United States.

Last month’s Canadian Screen Awards, held on the 10th floor of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s downtown Toronto headquarters, brought together roughly 700 industry professionals, including actors, producers, and technicians, to celebrate the country’s growing screen sector. Often dubbed "Hollywood North," Canada’s film and television scene generates billions in revenue and employs hundreds of thousands, but has historically struggled to distinguish itself from its more dominant southern neighbor.

The spotlight at the event was on homegrown success stories like “Heated Rivalry,” a hockey drama series based on the novels of Nova Scotia author Rachel Reid. The show, produced largely by Canadian talent and filmed domestically, has garnered international attention after streaming on platforms including HBO in the United States. Its lead actor, Hudson Williams from British Columbia, was recognized for his performance, with the show embodying a distinctly Canadian narrative by featuring local settings and cultural symbols.

Another highlight was “North of North,” a CBC, Netflix, and Aboriginal Peoples Television Network co-production set in an Arctic community. The show, created and performed predominantly by Indigenous Canadians, recently secured a second season, demonstrating a growing emphasis on diverse Canadian voices in the industry.

The awards ceremony also served as a forum for candid discussions about the evolving relationship between Canadian content and American streaming giants like Netflix. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) had proposed a 15 percent tax on revenues from major streaming services operating in Canada to fund domestic and Indigenous productions. However, this measure was recently blocked by the federal government, drawing criticism from industry organizations such as the Canadian Media Producers Association, which accused the government of favoring U.S. tech interests at the expense of Canadian culture.

Tammy Frick, CEO of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television—the organization behind the awards—stressed the importance of finding a sustainable funding model for Canadian content that reflects the global trend of streamers reinvesting in national production. “What we’re asking is, what’s the right model for Canada? And there’s going to have to be some concessions,” she said.

The tension between protecting and promoting Canadian stories while engaging with U.S.-based companies comes amid broader political frictions between the two countries, including controversial remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting Canada should become the 51st state.

Yet, despite these challenges, Canadian artists and industry leaders emphasize the distinctiveness of their cultural narratives. Actor Mike Myers, honored for lifetime achievement, expressed deep gratitude to Canada, while Eugene Levy paid tribute to the late Canadian star Catherine O’Hara with humor rooted in Canadian quirks.

Comedian and actor Mae Martin encapsulated the prevailing sentiment, describing Canadians as “champions of the outsiders, the overlooked,” a status she called “a gift to creativity.” As Canada’s screen industry continues to expand its global reach, its unique voice and stories remain central to its evolving identity and success.