We appreciate our many viewers and supporters in Canada. We summarized helpful information below applicable to you. Any additional questions and suggestions are welcome!
Watch us - ALL original Vermont PBS online content is available for viewing in Canada. See our Schedule Page for all current broadcast times.
While over-the-air broadcasts reach beyond U.S. borders into Canada, online video may be subject to geo-filtering, which restricts the areas in Canada that can view PBS content. The terms of our agreements with producers and distributors sometimes limits streaming ability for some PBS programs outside the United States.
Our main channel is available in the Montréal area, and some other areas in Québec and Ontario. Some Québec residents may be able to acquire our WETK broadcast signal. Otherwise we are available via cable providers: Axion; Bell Fibe TV ; and Videotron.
Is Vermont PBS a nonprofit company? Yes, Vermont PBS (operating as Vermont ETV Inc.) is 501(c)(3) registered with the United States Internal Revenue Service, and has operated in good standing for almost 50 years.
Does Vermont PBS serve Québec? Yes, the cultural and educational mission of Vermont PBS is a region-wide objective. We produce programs that are intended to bridge the international border. Our broadcast signal reaches many communities in the Province of Québec, including Montréal. Vermont PBS is also carried on Canadian cable services. All programming owned or provided by Vermont PBS is available to Canadian viewers online. Some of the content licensed through others, including by example some content produced by the BBC, is “geo-blocked” for broadcast and/or internet streaming, limiting access to viewers in the United States.
Is my contribution to Vermont PBS tax deductible in Canada? Vermont PBS cannot advise individuals on the application of Canadian tax regulations, but we do acknowledge all donor gifts. In some instances, a donation to a U.S. charity can be deducted on a Canadian tax return, against income generated in the United States. Please consult your tax adviser.
Did Vermont PBS issue tax receipts to Canadians in the past? Previously, the Public Television Association of Québec (PTAQ) provided tax receipts to Canadian donors and worked with Vermont PBS to select, program and schedule educational television for English speaking viewers in Quebec. PTAQ has stopped this practice as of November 21, 2015,in response to a ruling of the Canada Revenue Agency. PTAQ’s practices were not a violation of law, but the Canada Revenue Agency disputes the charitable nature of public broadcasting and PTAQ’s acquisition of programming through Vermont PBS. Please do not make donations payable to PTAQ, and please contact Vermont PBS for any questions regarding tax receipts for donations. Going forward, please make your donations directly to Vermont PBS. Make your checks payable to: Vermont PBS, POB Box 11110 Station Centre Ville, Montréal QC H3C 5E3
Will my past contributions to Vermont PBS be audited? PTAQ has been a charity in good standing for over 20 years. The Canada Revenue Agency's decision not to recognize PTAQ as a non profit in the future does not revoke the tax receipts issued by PTAQ or Vermont PBS prior to the effective date of the Agency’s 2015 decision on November 21, 2015.
If you would like more information, please feel free to contact Viewer Services during regular business hours at 1-800-639-7811 or viewerservices@vermontpbs.org.
