Why are the largest music, film and streaming industry names suddenly Canadian? How did the nation who used to be the spectators become the ones who dictate what the world listens to, watches and plays?
Canada is no longer waiting to get its moment. It already took it. Canadian talent is leading the pack in terms of global tours, billion-dollar productions, etc. It is not just a matter of stars making it big. It is a complete takeover: a hit, a single studio, and a single streaming platform.
Canada’s Gaming Industry Is Bigger Than You Think
How did Canada become one of the world’s top players in gaming? It didn’t happen overnight, but the results are now impossible to ignore. Major titles like Assassin’s Creed, EA Sports FC, and NHL all have deep roots in Canadian studios.
Some of the biggest international publishers continue to rely on Canadian talent, while smaller indie studios are putting out titles that punch well above their weight. These aren’t just good ideas, they’re polished products that travel well across markets. The same sharp approach is now showing up in casino gaming.
Just like in video games, Canadian-run platforms are making a name for themselves through structure and reliability. High withdrawal limits, proper licensing, and CAD cashouts with low or no transaction fees have become standard. It’s no surprise the best online casinos from Canada are running the game right now. (Source: https://www.cardplayer.com/ca/online-casinos)
Canada’s Artists Have Reshaped the Global Charts
It cannot be doubted that nowadays Canada leads in music discourses throughout the world. Drake remains the most powerful brand in hip-hop. His albums have become number one since If You’re Reading This, It’s Too Late, and his streaming figures are still top.
The Weeknd has already achieved the same and in certain instances, he even surpasses Drake in the world charts. His catalogue, which blends pop, R&B and experimental production, was developed between After Hours and Dawn FM. His sound has been used as a benchmark by other musicians even in Europe and Asia and not only in North America.
Justin Bieber is still one of the most watched exports of the country. His influence has cleared the way for artists such as Shawn Mendes and Alessia Cara who now occupy their place in world tours and award stages.
Producers and Executives Are Gaining Industry Power
The shift is not limited to performers. It is just as clear in the people behind the scenes. Cameron Bailey, now CEO of the Toronto International Film Festival, helped grow TIFF into one of the world’s most important public festivals. His long-term focus now includes launching a global media content market in Toronto.
Marie-Philippe Bouchard took over CBC/Radio Canada at a time when local broadcasters were under pressure. She has built stronger ties with major platforms like Netflix and has focused on maintaining local content against international competitors. Budgets for Canadian content have gone up fast, especially with growing demand from streamers.
Sean Cohan, now president of Bell Media, returned from executive roles in the U.S. to take charge of CTV and Crave. These platforms now compete directly with Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ inside Canada.
Directors and Creators Are Owning Bigger Projects
Canadian directors are no longer watching on the fringes. The name of Shawn Levy is now placed in the company of mega franchises. He directed Stranger Things and Arrival and co-directed Deadpool and Wolverine, which earned more than one point three billion dollars worldwide.
Levy is currently developing Star Wars: Star Fighter, where Ryan Gosling and Amy Adams are already attached. The other Toronto name was J. Miles Dale, who came back to TIFF with Guillermo del Toro to remake Frankenstein, filmed in Canada. Dale described the movie as a dream job, yet a difficult one.
Their collaboration with each other is several years old, and the collaboration indicates that the Canadian talent is entrusted with the significant productions. The credibility in one sector is supported by the success in the other. It is that loop of reinforcement that allows Canada to dominate without much ado but in a continuous manner.