Netflix is so popular in Canada, local media players want a 'Netflix tax' to level the playing field

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If Netflix was measured like a traditional broadcaster in Canada, it would rival the No. 1 network in the country. Over 50 of English-speaking households subscribe.

eMarketer expects there will be 13.3 million Netflix viewers in Canada this year. That figure is up 9.6 year over year.

Now there is an ongoing political debate over how streaming services should be regulated in Canada.

Local broadcast and cable companies are rallying behind the idea of a "Netflix tax" that would make the streaming video service pay the same taxes to meet "Canada Content" rules about local productions.

If Netflix was measured like traditional broadcasters in Canada—using weekly time spent figures and reach metrics across age, gender and regions—there is little doubt it would be a challenger for the No. 1 network in the country.

Since Netflix's launch in Canada in 2010, the first non-US market the company entered, it has become a viewership juggernaut, climbing to north of 50 of the English-speaking population in most forecasts. eMarketer expects there will be 13.3 million Netflix viewers in Canada this year, with viewers defined as individuals who watch Netflix via app or website at least once per month. That figure is up 9.6 year over year.See the rest of the story at Business InsiderNOW WATCH: An early bitcoin investor explains what most people get wrong about the cryptocurrencySee Also:Your opinion matters Join BI Insiders programRapper Azealia Banks claims she was at Elon Musk's house over the weekend as he was 'scrounging for investors'After spending 5 years studying millionaires, I've found that there are 3 types of people who end up the wealthiestSEE ALSO: Here's why Netflix decides to cancel or renew your favorite shows, like 'House of Cards' and 'Bloodline'

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