SOCAN welcomes the tabling of the Online Streaming Act, and is in support of the proposed legislation as a foundation for now and the future.
“The Online Streaming Act is a big step in the right direction,” said SOCAN CEO Jennifer Brown. “The government has clearly heard from Canada’s music creators that they need support to create, and to be fairly promoted on streaming services, and this bill sets the stage for that to happen.”
Currently, for every dollar in music licenses from Canadian TV and radio broadcasters, around 34 cents are distributed to Canadian songwriters and composers, but for every license dollar from online streaming, only 10 cents remain in Canada. The Online Streaming Act is the first step to correcting that inequity for music creators.
Online streaming services promoting Canadian music will make it easier for Canadian audiences to find and engage with our songs and stories.
“The existing Broadcasting Act was designed before the Internet was a music delivery platform, and modernization is desperately needed,” Brown added. “Reforming the Act is a necessary step to strengthening Canadian songwriters and composers’ place within Canada and supporting Canadian music in a digital world.”
SOCAN thanks Minister of Canadian Heritage, The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, for staying true to the promise of introducing this important Bill, and looks forward to all parties stepping up for what’s right for Canada’s culture and economy.