Canoe.tv was launched today, Canada’s first (official) online on demand broadcaster. The site was launched by Quebecor Media Inc. and promises to deliver a wide selection of video content from traditional sources.

Currently, 50 titles are available as of today and 400 more are planned on launching within the next year.

Content Available

Though the content provided is intended for Canadian viewers, I (a U.S. resident) managed to view all the videos with no problem. Of course, there are separate channels for English and French viewers. Partners delivering content include:

• The CBC
• House and Home
• The Fight Network
• Just For Laughs
• SUN TV

During a recent presentation, president and CEO Pierre Karl Péladeau stated:

“News and sports are strong but some of the biggest growth is online viewing of entire episodes of shows developed for television or developed exclusively for online audiences.”

Canoe.TV is also planning to work with independent production companies to produce exclusive online content including lifestyle, sport and reality shows. As long as they don’t block other countries, I’m a happy camper.

[Canoe.TV Website]