Streaming Rates Climb Again

Disney’s flagship streaming service, Disney+, will see a new round of price increases beginning October 21, 2025, as the company seeks higher digital revenues following years of losses.

• The ad-supported tier in the U.S. rises by US$2 to US$11.99/month

• The ad-free premium plan goes up US$3 to US$18.99/month

• Annual premium subscriptions jump by US$30 to US$189.99

• Bundles combining Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ will likewise be adjusted upward.

Though Disney has not formally confirmed Canadian pricing changes, a subscriber email reviewed by CBC News suggests that a Canadian premium subscription could rise from CAD 119.99 to CAD 159.99 starting October 28.

Disney says the extra revenue will support more original shows and higher-quality content.

Price Hikes Come at a Tense Moment

This marks the fourth consecutive year Disney has raised its streaming subscription costs since Disney+ launched in November 2019.

The timing is especially sensitive: last week, Disney removed Jimmy Kimmel Live! from broadcast, citing backlash over a controversial monologue.
That decision sparked protests at Disney’s headquarters, calls for boycotts of Disney+ and Hulu, and intense media scrutiny over censorship and corporate influence.
Amid mounting pressure, the show was reinstated on September 23.

While Disney maintains the price hikes were planned well before the Kimmel controversy, critics argue the move may dampen subscriber sentiment and intensify backlash.

Impact on Canadian Subscribers

For Canadian users, pricing uncertainty persists. Disney’s official Canadian pricing page has not been updated to reflect the reported hike.

If Canadian subscribers face the proposed increase to CAD 159.99 for premium, it would represent a steep jump. Whether other tiers or bundles in Canada will be affected remains unconfirmed.

Disney has not responded to media inquiries in Canada requesting clarification on the scope of increases north of the border.

Business Strategy & Risks

Disney’s broader goal is to shift its streaming arm from loss-making to growth driver—price increases are part of that strategy.
In 2024, the streaming segment achieved profitability for the first time, giving Disney room to lean harder into monetization.

However, the combination of price hikes and public relations strain could accelerate cancellations. Consumer backlash over the Kimmel suspension already triggered cancellation campaigns and social media momentum.
Analysts warn that subscription demand may prove more fragile than Disney anticipates, especially if rivals seize the opportunity.

What Lies Ahead

• Effective dates: U.S. changes take effect October 21; Canadian changes (if implemented) appear to begin October 28.

• Subscriber reaction: Watch for churn rates, social media backlash, and competitor offers.

• Regulatory and public scrutiny: The Kimmel incident has already drawn the attention of media watchdogs, investor groups, and free speech advocates.

• Canadian clarification: Disney’s Canadian unit will likely issue an official statement or updated pricing list ahead of any change.

For Canadian consumers and investors, the mix of streaming price inflation and media controversy marks a pivotal moment for Disney’s digital strategy—one where subscriber sentiment and public perception may carry as much weight as quarterly results.

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Businesses Targeted Amid B.C. Ostrich Cull Backlash

Rising Tensions in Edgewood

A government-ordered cull of roughly 400 ostriches near Edgewood, B.C., has ignited fierce opposition, drawing protests and sparking harassment of local businesses. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) ordered the cull after detecting avian influenza in the flock late last year.

Businesses Pulled Into the Dispute

Hotels, gas stations, and waste management firms across British Columbia say they have been bombarded with calls, emails, and negative reviews from farm supporters who believe they are assisting the CFIA operation. Nucor Environmental Solutions, a Surrey-based company, reported receiving death threats against employees and their families despite denying involvement in the cull. Clearway Trucks, another targeted firm, said it had “no prior knowledge” its vehicles were used and demanded their return.

Farm Supporters Mobilize Online

Universal Ostrich spokesperson Katie Pasitney has urged supporters on social media to pressure companies suspected of aiding the cull. Posts included contact details of local businesses, leading to coordinated call-in campaigns. However, Pasitney later appealed for restraint after reports surfaced that children of company employees were being threatened. “Threatening anybody is not OK,” she said in a recent video.

RCMP Investigating Threats

Mounties confirmed receiving multiple reports of harassment and escalating threats of violence. A business in the Lower Mainland reported shooting threats and surveillance intimidation. RCMP warned that those inciting or carrying out threats could face criminal charges. “We will take steps to ensure that anyone who unlawfully interferes with or threatens the safety of any person or property may be held accountable,” police said in a Tuesday statement.

CFIA Defends Cull Decision

The CFIA has defended its decision, citing the detection of avian flu as grounds for the mass cull. The agency, supported by police escorts, began preparations on Monday. The B.C. SPCA clarified that it has no authority to intervene in federally mandated disease-control operations.

Community Impact

Edgewood residents say the dispute has disrupted the quiet rural community for months. “There’s been confrontations with locals,” said resident Randy Donselaar, describing heated exchanges between protesters and townspeople. Farm supporters have framed the cull as government overreach, a narrative that has attracted international attention, including commentary from U.S. political figures.

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