What does the Canadian music industry think of the new trade deal with the US and Mexico?

Generally, they’re okay with it. The clause about extending copyright from death plus 50 years (the old Canadian standard) to death by 75 years (the US terms) is sitting very well.

Eric Baptiste, the SEC of SOCAN had this to say: “Today is a great day for Canadian creators, SOCAN would like to thank the Canadian government for its efforts to defend the interests of the Canadian cultural sector and to provide greater protection for our creators.”

The Canadian Independent Industry Association is also pleased: “Canada was able to maintain its cultural sovereignty through the continuation of our Cultural Exemption, which is essential for the future of the sector in the digital age. It will, among other things, allow Canada to maintain music support mechanisms such as Canadian Content regulations and the Canada Music Fund, without challenges from our trading partners.”

CIMA president Stuart Johnson writes: “We are thankful that the Canadian government values the professional and diverse cultural content produced in our country. Existing government measures, which are protected by the cultural exemption, support and strengthen the Canadian independent music industry and allows the industry to continue to succeed both at home and on the global stage. Extending copyright protections will only serve to enhance the value of our sector and will rightfully protect the music of our talented artists, songwriters and composers.”

The Canadian Music Reproduction Rights Association, which represents about 6,000 publishers and self-published songwriters says “On behalf of CMRRA’s rightsholders, I [CMRRA president Caroline Rioux] fervently congratulate Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Minister Chrystia Freeland, the Minister of Canadian Heritage Pablo Rodriguez and Minister Navdeep Bains on this most welcomed and long-awaited decision.”

In other words, everything is okay. As you were.