Infobase and Criterion Pictures Ink Major Canadian Distribution Deal

NEW YORK, NY – January 29, 2026 – By Janet Adams

Infobase, a global provider of digital educational content, has announced a significant expansion of its strategic partnership with Criterion Pictures, appointing it the official and exclusive Canadian distributor for its entire portfolio of learning solutions. The move signals a major push to deepen Infobase's footprint across Canada's K-12, academic, and public library markets.

Building on a long-standing relationship, this enhanced agreement elevates Criterion Pictures from a distributor of select Infobase video products—such as Learn360 and Classroom Video On Demand—to the sole purveyor of the company’s complete and integrated suite of digital resources. This includes award-winning reference databases, streaming media platforms, eBook collections, and instructional tools designed to foster information literacy and critical thinking skills for learners of all ages.

A Strategic Play in a Booming Market

The timing of this expansion is critical, as it positions Infobase to capitalize on Canada's rapidly growing education technology sector. The Canadian EdTech content market, which generated over USD 2.8 billion in 2023, is projected to surge to more than USD 8 billion by 2030, driven by a compound annual growth rate of nearly 16%. This growth reflects a nationwide shift toward digital adoption, with government support and a strong demand for flexible, personalized learning solutions fueling the trend. By 2025, an estimated 60% of Canadian students are expected to use online platforms as part of their education.

By consolidating its Canadian distribution under a single, established partner, Infobase is making a strategic play to compete more directly with other major educational content providers like Gale, ProQuest, and EBSCO. The partnership aims to streamline access for Canadian institutions, providing a more cohesive and comprehensive offering than was previously available.

"We are excited to deepen our collaboration with Criterion Pictures," said Bill Rieders, Chief Executive Officer at Infobase. "This expanded partnership allows us to more effectively support Canadian educators and librarians with access to Infobase's full portfolio of trusted content and learning tools. Criterion Pictures' experience in non-theatrical media distribution, combined with Infobase's commitment to educational impact, creates a strong foundation for serving learning communities across Canada."

From Niche Video to a Full Digital Library

For Canadian educators, librarians, and students, this deal represents a significant shift from curated video content to a full-spectrum digital library. While institutions previously had access to Infobase’s well-regarded video streaming services, they can now procure its entire integrated learning platform through a familiar Canadian partner. This platform brings together diverse media types—from primary source documents and reference articles to interactive courseware and eBooks—under one umbrella.

The expansion directly addresses a growing emphasis on digital and media literacy within Canadian education. Initiatives like the Canadian School Libraries' "Digital and Media Literacy Toolkit," launched in late 2025, highlight a national priority to equip students with the skills to navigate a complex digital world. The availability of Infobase's comprehensive, vetted resources provides teachers and librarians with powerful tools to support these curriculum goals.

Furthermore, the move aligns with findings from the 2023 Pan-Canadian Digital Learning Surveys, which revealed a strong desire among both faculty and students for more flexible learning options. Access to a broader range of digital materials allows for more dynamic and adaptable teaching methods, catering to diverse learning styles and supporting everything from in-class instruction to independent research projects.

Leveraging Decades of Distribution Expertise

The success of this initiative hinges not just on the quality of Infobase's content but on the logistical and relational expertise of its partner. With over 45 years of experience in the Canadian market, Criterion Pictures brings more than just a distribution network; it offers deep-seated relationships and a nuanced understanding of the country's diverse educational landscape.

As part of Anuvu's non-theatrical distribution business, Criterion has long been a trusted name for licensing feature films to schools, universities, and public libraries. Its development of the Criterion-on-Demand digital delivery platform demonstrates a proven capability in providing user-friendly online access to educational media. Under the new agreement, Criterion will manage all licensing, institutional engagement, and distribution for the full Infobase product line, providing a single point of contact for institutions from coast to coast.

"With more than 45 years of experience in the Canadian market, Criterion Pictures is uniquely positioned to deliver high-quality educational media nationwide," stated Ed Murphy, Vice President of Business Development at Criterion. "We're proud to expand Infobase's reach and support educators and learners with engaging, curriculum aligned resources."

This synergy between a world-class content creator and a deeply entrenched local distributor is designed to overcome market access challenges and ensure that Infobase's tools reach the classrooms and library patrons who need them. For the more than 70 million learners Infobase supports globally, this partnership promises to significantly enhance the educational experience for many more across Canada.