SOCAN and ACCORD (an umbrella collective of Canadian music organizations, of which SOCAN is a member) made their final written submissions to advocate for Canada’s songwriters, composers, and music publishers before the CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission), on Dec. 11, 2025, regarding the future of Canadian and Indigenous audio content.
In looking at ways to modernize the regulatory framework for all broadcasters, the CRTC has previously suggested a new definition for Canadian music called “MAL” (Music, Artist and Lyrics) that recognizes the importance of Canadian songwriters and composers. SOCAN supports this new definition that recognizes the distinct and critical contributions of Canadian songwriters and composers.
Data from SOCAN, supported by independent studies from the submissions of other participants, shows that Canadian music currently has a low market share of streams on online audio services. That is, only about 10 percent of music streamed online in Canada is Canadian. As in our other CRTC submissions made throughout 2025, SOCAN and ACCORD once again supported greater promotion and recommendation of Canadian music from online music streaming services to Canadian audiences, which will hopefully lead to more streams. SOCAN’s position is that more streams of Canadian music will lead to better support of the Canadian cultural community, and establish the next generation of Canadian songwriters and composers.