In the interests of creating a broadcasting system that is representative of Canada’s diversity, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunication Commission (CRTC) granted a broadcasting license to PrideVision TV in the summer of 2000. PrideVision TV is the world’s first gay and lesbian television channel.

Its mandate is to provide programming for the gay and lesbian community, which is under-served by the current broadcasting system. The station will feature high-quality programming that accurately and fairly portrays the gay and lesbian lifestyle, and will appeal to a "mainstream" gay and lesbian audience.

In its application to the CRTC, PrideVision TV argued that the channel’s programming would contribute to the diversity of the Canadian broadcasting system, and would provide a public service through challenging the prevalence of stereotypical portrayals of gays and lesbians in the media.

Cable operators throughout Canada are required to offer PrideVision TV as part of new digital cable services. The channel is not available on basic cable, but is available to all cable consumers who purchase digital cable programs.