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SOCAN responded to the recent open consultation that concluded on January 15, 2024 about the implications of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and copyright issues, held by Canadian Heritage and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. SOCAN is of the view that AI, with appropriate safeguards and an appropriate copyright framework, has the potential to enhance […]

SOCAN, Society of Composers, Authors & Music Publishers of Canada, along with a coalition of music organizations, today wrote to the Government of Canada concerning the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the music industry. The letter provided recommendations that aimed to ensure AI does not replace human creativity and culture. “This letter is the […]

SOCAN appeared before the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (“the CRTC”)  on the implementation of the Online Streaming Act (formerly Bill C-11) in Gatineau, Québec, on Nov. 23, 2023. SOCAN was part of a panel presentation with the coalition group ACCORD (of which SOCAN is a member), Association des professionnels de l’édition musicale (APEM) and […]

SOCAN members voted to approve changes to the company’s articles and bylaws, including those to improve Francophone recognition and transform the voting process for the Board of Directors, at a special meeting of SOCAN members, held Dec. 5, 2023 in Toronto, Montréal, and online. This was the final step in a two-year governance practices and […]

SOCAN is taking the next step in delivering more for our members with the announcement of our relationship with technology provider, Spanish Point Technologies. This partnership will bring significant changes to our business: improving our processes, data quality, and how we work together to serve our members. Why Spanish Point Technologies? After much research, Spanish […]

What did the passing of Bill C-11, Online Streaming Act, accomplish? For the past 30 years, Canada has used the Broadcasting Act to direct how traditional broadcasters support Canadian music through various initiatives. Before Bill C-11, no significant amendments had been made to the Act since 1991, an era when Canadians listened to music on […]

A plan for augmenting service and streamlining workflows in Quebec.   We recognize the important role that Quebec music creators and publishers play in the cultural framework of Canada’s music industry, and we are pleased to share an initiative that will prioritize the management of Quebec member royalties and creative efforts within the Montreal office. SOCAN […]

Highlights include better-than-average representation for women, racialized groups  A new Employee Equity Census on diversity in the workplace at SOCAN has yielded some encouraging results, including better-than-average representation for both women and racialized groups, in addition to our already strong bilingual service to our members. Among the findings: Eighty-six percent of SOCAN employees responded to […]

As part of regular governance, distribution rules are reviewed and modified as needed to ensure the rules reflect changes in the business. Coming in November, there are 2 such modifications being implemented: Historically, one of the conditions for payment of a concert was a minimum ticket price of $6. This has been increased to $10. […]

Recommendation 1: Ensure the Copyright Act Protects Creators in the Context of Artificial Intelligence That the Government ensure a) that artificial intelligence systems comply with fair market principles to obtain licences and compensate copyright owners for the use of their works, and b) that no new exemptions from copyright or other intellectual property rights are […]