Toronto, ON – In an unprecedented move the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has allowed advertisements for the ubiquitous coffee chain Tim Hortons to be counted towards government mandated Canadian content.
“We believe that the white washed, hockey based, generic canadiana of Tim Hortons proudly follows in the tradition of other canadian content such as Schitts Creek, Red Green Show or Corner Gas.” said Judith A. LaRocque CRTC Vice-Chairperson of Broadcasting “Tim Hortons ads reflect canadian values, whatever the hell they are.”
Many viewers are praising the move to reclassify Tim Hortons ad’s as Canadian content. “I watch a documentary about residential schools and I feel sad but I watch a Tim Hortons ad and I feel nothing, maybe a little hungry.” said Global TV viewer Sandra Fitzpatrick.
Some however criticized the move. “Coffee Time is the chain of the people” said Jeri Cats professor of Media studies at Western University. “Why is only the experience of the Tim Horton drinking urban elites reflected on our screens?”
When reached for comment Tim Hortons head office in Oakville, ON issued a statement “Looking for the perfect side for your meal? We’ve got you covered with soups, salads and savoury potato wedges.”
In addition to including Tim Hortons adverts the CRTC expanded Canadian content to include any production that uses an Alanis Morrisette over the closing credits, follows a script that spells favourite with a u, has a Barenaked Ladies penned theme song, has all dressed chips at craft services, stars a Canadian actor that hasn’t lived in Canada for 30 years or stars the child of a Canadian actor that hasn’t lived in Canada for 30 years.
