Yesterday’s federal budget announced support for Canadian music
Yesterday (April 16) was federal budget day. Among the spending and taxing announcements, there is a line item about Canadian music.
The feds confirmed an increase to the Canada Music Fund of $32 million for the next two years. This is an investment in Canadian-owned music companies and artists that will help with the post-COVID recovery and to assist with the growth and stability of Canadian music.
Andrew Cash, CEO of the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA): “This increase to the Canada Music Fund will provide vital support for Canadian artists and companies to continue to innovate, create and thrive. While there is much work still to be done, the music sector appreciates and welcomes this announcement.”
There’s more, too. Along with the direct investments in the music sector, there will be indirect help thanks to investment in affordable housing and enhanced mental health resources, two things that are of extreme importance to people who work in the arts.
And I find this interesting. The government announced $2.4 billion in spending on AI. That will include support for any workers in the arts industry who might end up getting hurt/displaced by AI.
Some people will complain that this is misspent taxpayer dollars. Just remember that many studies have shown that for every dollar spent on supporting Canadian music returns over $1.20 in economic benefits. Not a bad ROI, right?