CHCH also picked up the National Geographic scripted original series Genius.
Seems to me that the only production studio they have a deal is with 20th Century FOX and they did not go after any of the new shows but only returning ones that were passed on by other Canadian broadcasters.
Empire had no broadcast rights in Canada for nearly the entire third season - initially those rights were with Rogers (City/OMNI) but became exclusive to SVOD service shomi from halfway in season 2 until it folded late last year. At the time, only the first two or three episodes were available for streaming, and further episodes were scrapped upon the announcement that the service would be shutting down. Fresh Off the Boat also was exclusive to shomi for Canada.
I figure that these are the only two U.S. primetime shows they picked up for simulcast, essentially to fill in the gaps left by the cancelled shows Last Man Standing (ABC) and Rosewood (FOX).
The returning newsmagazine shows have been a primary staple of their lineup every year. Everything else is like a revolving door - here this year, gone the next.
This is the first time that they've picked up stuff from FX with The Americans and The Strain. And they decided to pick up House of Cards (a Netflix original but distributed by Sony Pictures Television). In the case of all three shows, it will be likely the first seasons.
I believe ZoomerMedia was also part of this morning's upfronts. In the piece, I saw Joytv and the One specialty channel also being featured, so that probably includes Vision TV as well.