How the Trade War Just Changed Everything with Canadian Culture and Tech
Summary
Host Jesse Brown and guest Michael Geist discuss the collapse of US-Canada trade talks, focusing on disputes over streaming regulations and cultural funding. They analyze the shift from mandated streamer contributions to government subsidies for Canadian media, raising concerns about state influence. The episode also covers local data center opposition in Hamilton and a viral story about an Edmonton baker facing backlash over a fusion sandwich.
Topics discussed
Intro: Croissant cancellation, data sovereignty, and sponsors
Michael Geist joins to discuss digital trade and cultural policy
Streaming Act: Discoverability obligations and US pushback
Quebec's Bill 109 and French content quotas
Streaming contributions: Canada's concession and $600M replacement
Trade strategy: Timing of concessions and industry funding
Online News Act: Facebook bans and government subsidies
Sponsors: Fizz Mobile and Douglas Mattress
Online News Act safety and industry reliance on subsidies
Risks of nationalizing media and partisan press concerns
Data sovereignty: Building Canada's own tech stack
US pressure on Canadian digital regulation and age verification
Canadian alternatives to US tech and cybersecurity trade-offs
Hamilton data center moratorium and research data sovereignty
Vinny Makes Bagels: Croissant cancellation and influencer drama
Outro: Discord community and supporter call to action
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