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Netflix hikes some subscriber plans in Canada again

Netflix says the basic plan for subscribers remains unchanged at $9.99 a month, but the standard monthly plan is going up by $1 to $14.99, and the premium by $2 to $18.99.

Last price increase was 2 years ago

Netflix last hiked its price in Canada two years ago. (Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg)

Netflix Canada is increasing some of its prices again.

The streaming giant said the basic plan for subscribers remains unchanged at $9.99 a month, but the standard monthly plan is going up by $1 to $14.99, and the premium by $2 to $18.99.

Netflix said it's implementing the price increase so it "can invest more in films and shows as well as the quality of members' product experience."

The company said new members who sign up will see the updated prices effective immediately.

The new charges will roll out to existing members according to their billing cycle over the coming weeks.

Existing members will be notified about the change via email and the Netflix app 30 days before the new prices are applied to them.

Netflix has cancelled some of its programming recently due to COVID-19 pandemic-related issues, including GlowThe Society and I Am Not Okay With This.

The company's last price increase in Canada was announced in November 2018. At that time, it bumped up the basic monthly plan by a dollar to $9.99, the standard by $3 to $13.99 and the premium by $3 to $16.99.

The basic plan lets subscribers watch on one screen at a time at a lower-quality resolution. The standard plan allows two screens with high-definition resolution. And the premium offers four-screen usage and ultra HD video.

"Canadians have never had more choices when it comes to entertainment, and we're more committed than ever to delivering an experience that exceeds their expectations," Netflix said in a statement about Thursday's price increase.

"Members tell us how much they value variety, and we're updating our prices so that we can continue to invest in more shows and films. As always, we will continue to offer a range of plans so that people can pick a price that works for their budget."

Netflix launched in Canada in September 2010, charging $7.99 for unlimited TV shows and movies per month.