SOCAN welcomes confirmation today from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister of Canadian Heritage Steven Guilbeault that royalty payments will not prevent creators from qualifying for benefits under the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).

SOCAN rights holders receive quarterly payments for performing and reproduction rights. These include songwriters, composers and music publishers from all of Canada as well as visual artists for exhibition and reproduction rights.

“We were hearing from our members daily about their concerns due to the COVID-19 crisis, and we in turn were in contact with Minister Guilbeault’s office daily,” said Interim CEO Jennifer Brown. “We thank them for their attention to this issue and providing some certainty for our members in an uncertain time.

“As the Prime Minister noted in his remarks, our creators are providing bright spots for Canadians in a difficult time, so it’s important to ensure that those same creators can continue to provide for themselves and their families.”