During CBC’s broadcast of the Juno Awards on Sunday night, Minister of Canadian Heritage Pascale St-Onge announced the federal government is renewing and boosting the Canada Music Fund to help Canadian music creators.
Federal funding of $32 million will be delivered over the next two years (2024-25 and 2025-26) “to keep supporting initiatives that enhance the careers of Canadian artists, while strengthening the competitiveness and stability of the Canadian music sector,” says a press release Sunday from Canadian Heritage.
The funding will be administered by the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR) for the English-language market and the Fondation Musicaction for the French-language market.
“Music is a unifying force that brings us together and makes our stories resonate worldwide,” St-Onge said in a statement. “Today, we’re delivering on a commitment we made to Canadians to better support this country’s music sector and increase our investments in the Canada Music Fund. This investment is essential to maintain the positive impact of the Canada Music Fund, helping new and existing artists or groups to break through in the modern music environment. Through our support, we’re laying the foundation for a thriving and strong music sector.”
The government’s investment will help to provide relief to Canadian-owned music companies and organizations who are facing financial pressures from rising costs, as they try to build up the next generation of artists, the press release says. “This important step will also contribute to the success of the Canada Music Fund’s modernization since its announcement in Budget 2019,” the release says.
The Canada Music Fund, delivered through FACTOR and Musicaction, funds approximately 5,000 projects annually supporting Canadian music through recordings, touring, showcasing, conferences, award shows and other events that enhance the visibility of Canadian music artists.
Screenshot of Canadian Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge with music artist William Prince at the 2024 Juno Awards.
