FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CIMA to New Government: Protect Canadian Culture from Global Corporate Takeover [TORONTO, ON – April 29, 2025] - The Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) congratulates Mark Carney and the Liberal Party of Canada on their victory in yesterday's federal election. As the new government begins its mandate, CIMA urgently calls on Mark Carney to make the investment in and promotion of Canadian-owned cultural businesses a top priority. The global cultural economy is changing rapidly, and with it come significant risks to Canada’s cultural and economic sovereignty. Recent developments — including TikTok’s decision to walk away from licensing negotiations with Merlin, a key representative of independent music worldwide; Universal Music Group’s acquisition of Downtown Music’s assets; and the legal challenge by global tech platforms, in partnership with foreign-owned multinational record companies, to avoid regulation under Bill C-11 — starkly illustrate the growing concentration of global corporate power in Canada’s cultural sector. If left unchecked, these trends threaten to erode Canadian ownership of intellectual property, diminish our global competitiveness, and compromise the future of Canadian cultural exports. Canadian-owned music companies are not just participants in the cultural economy — they are part of its foundation. They drive IP creation, generate jobs across the country, and ensure that Canadian voices are heard on the world stage. When Canadian companies retain ownership of their creations, we control our cultural destiny and build long-term economic value for Canada. CIMA urges the incoming government to act swiftly:

• Prioritize Canadian ownership in cultural policy and investment frameworks;
• Strengthen competition, trade, and copyright policies to protect Canadian IP holders;
• Champion independent Canadian businesses in international markets;
• Defend Canada’s right to regulate its cultural industries against multinational corporate resistance.

Congratulations again to Mark Carney and the Liberal Party of Canada. We are eager to work with your government to secure a strong future for Canadian culture — Canadian culture remains Canadian-owned, Canadian-created, and world-renowned.

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About CIMA: Founded in 1975 CIMA is the not-for-profit national trade association representing over 650 Canadian-owned music companies connected to over 6000 artists and music industry workers in every province and territory in Canada. CIMA's membership ranges from individual artists and solopreneurs to Canadian-owned global music companies. Its membership also includes music publishers, managers, agents, songwriters, as well as other industry associations, provincial MIA’s and industry adjacent service companies including in digital marketing, public relations and content creation. Media Contact For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact: Jenia Schukov Communications & Export Programming Officer P: 416-998-3705 E: jenia@cimamusic.ca