https://www.soscip.org/canadians-boycott-netflix-disney-amazon-prime/A growing number of Canadians are cancelling their streaming subscriptions to protest the proposed U.S. tariffs, with platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video facing backlash. The movement, gaining traction on social media, is part of a wider boycott of American products amid rising political tensions between Canada and the U.S.
Table of Contents
Netflix Price Hike Fuels Outrage
The protest against U.S.-based streaming services gained momentum following Netflix Canada’s recent price increase on January 21, 2025. The new pricing structure has frustrated many Canadian users:
- Standard with Ads – $7.99/month (up from $5.99)
- Standard (No Ads, HD-supported) – $18.99/month (up from $16.49)
- Premium (No Ads, 4K-supported) – $23.99/month (up from $20.99)
One Reddit user, in a post that garnered hundreds of reactions, wrote:
“Another Netflix price increase combined with rampant American corruption? I’m done. Disney+ is gone too! (Maybe now I can afford a house!) It’s been nice seeing Canadians band together over the tariff nonsense. Let’s keep the momentum going!”
Ontario to Scrap $100M Starlink Deal in Response to U.S. Tariff Threat
U.S. Goods Set to Spike in Price Across Canada as Tariffs Take Effect
Canada Fights Back: Retaliatory Tariffs and Legal Action Against U.S. Trade Penalties
B.C. Bans U.S. Alcohol, But Vancouver Wine Festival Gets a Last-Minute Lifeline
Ontario Bans U.S. Alcohol Sales in Retaliation to Trump’s Tariffs
Amazon Faces Backlash Over Quebec Warehouse Shutdown
Streaming services aren’t the only target—Amazon Prime Video is also under fire. Many Canadians plan to cancel their Prime memberships, citing Amazon’s decision to close all Quebec warehouses in early 2025.
Amazon’s move affected 2,050 workers, including 1,700 and 350 seasonal workers. While the company claimed the closures were due to operational efficiency, critics suspect it was retaliation for warehouse workers unionizing under the Confédération des Syndicats Nationaux (CSN).
One Prime user voiced their frustration:
“Amazon bent the knee to a tyrant and is shutting down in Quebec because workers dared to organize. Not renewing my subscription!”
Streaming Cancellations Lead to a Rise in Piracy
Some Canadians are not just cancelling streaming subscriptions—they’re turning to piracy as an alternative.
“We sail the high seas now, mateys. Yarrrr,” one user joked, referencing torrenting and illegal streaming.
Others mentioned using Plex media servers to access movies and shows without paying for streaming services.
Is Boycotting U.S. Companies an Effective Protest?
While many support the movement, some Canadians question whether cancelling streaming services will make an impact. One Redditor argued:
“We can’t watch media without benefiting Americans, so I haven’t felt the need to cancel most of my streaming services.”
However, the boycott extends beyond streaming. A Research Co. poll (February 2, 2025) found
Leave a Reply