The federal government is enlisting seven experts to help rewrite Canada’s broadcasting regulations – so online streaming giants like Netflix and Spotify will be  forced to boost Canadian content.

The information wasn’t yet public when federal officials spoke on condition of anonymity – saying the experts will also be tasked with reviewing the mandate of CBC/Radio-Canada – with a focus on ensuring that future governments don’t slash the public broadcaster’s funding – or revamp the role and powers of the CRTC – the national broadcast regulator.

A key message from the government is that the review will study how to modernize the broadcast system –  without increasing the cost of services to consumers.

The panel will have 18 months to complete its work – ensuring a final report will not come out until weeks after the next federal election – in October 2019.

The expert panel is the latest in a series of reports and consultations the Liberals have ordered – about the future of the cultural sector in the digital age.

Last week, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission recommended the Liberals consider regulating any online video or music service – and have those companies provide funding to create, or better promote, domestic content.