FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TORONTO, ON (October 29, 2026) - The Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) has announced the results of its 2026 Board of Directors election following its Annual General Meeting (AGM), held today. The virtual gathering brought together CIMA members and industry colleagues from across Canada to reflect on the organization’s work over the past year, look ahead to the priorities shaping the independent music sector, and welcome new leadership to the Board. The AGM provided an opportunity to recognize another year of activity for CIMA, from advocacy and industry development to international business initiatives and programming designed to support Canada’s independent music community. The meeting began with opening remarks and official business led by CIMA’s Board Chair, Shauna de Cartier, who guided members through the agenda. “The independent music sector is constantly evolving, and CIMA has an important role to play in making sure our members are equipped to navigate what’s ahead,” said de Cartier. “This year’s AGM is an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made while also looking forward to the work still to come. I’m looking forward to continuing to work alongside our Board, staff and members as we move into the next year.” CIMA President and CEO Andrew Cash highlighted the organization’s work over the past year, including its advocacy, programs, and efforts to strengthen the independent music sector. “The Canadian-owned music sector continues to face a rapidly changing landscape both here at home and globally,” said Cash. “CIMA’s role in connecting members to each other, and building a strong collective voice has never been more important in our domestic and international advocacy work. Together with the new Board of Directors, our Chair and our members I look forward to working together as we build Canadian solutions to some of the sector’s current and future challenges.” Following the election, CIMA is pleased to welcome returning Directors to new three-year terms: - David Cox (CLK Creative Works) - Justin West (Secret City Records) - Simon Mortimer-Lamb (Nettwerk Music Group Inc.) - Tim Potocic (Sonic Unyon Records) Newly elected to the Board this year is: - Jeremy Johnson (Birthday Cake Records) They will join the following incumbent Directors: - Amanda Rheaume (Ishkode Records) - Audrey Sylvestre (Cult Nation) - Fannie Crepin (House of Supercool) - Jeff Nedza (Cadence Music Group) - Kesi Smyth (604 Records) -  Kieran Roy (Arts & Crafts Productions) - Meagan Davidson (Tiny Kingdom Music) - Sandy Pandya (Pandyamonium/ArtHaus) - Shauna de Cartier (Six Shooter Records) - Susan de Cartier (Starfish Entertainment) The newly formed Board will also appoint two additional Directors to one-year terms in the coming weeks. These appointments will complement the elected Directors and help ensure CIMA’s governance reflects a broad range of professional experience, geographic perspectives, and voices from across the independent music sector. CIMA extends its thanks to all members who participated in this year’s AGM and election process, as well as to the outgoing Directors for their service and commitment to the Canadian independent music community.

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ABOUT CIMA: Founded in 1975, the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) is the national not-for-profit trade association representing more than 650 Canadian-owned music companies connected to over 6,000 artists and music industry workers in every province and territory in Canada. CIMA’s membership ranges from Canadian-owned global music labels to individual artists, managers, publishers, agents, live presenters, industry-adjacent service companies, including digital marketing, public relations and content creation as well as other national and provincial industry associations. CIMA Media Contact: For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact: Jenia Schukov (Manager of Communications & Export Programming) P: 416-998-3705 E: jenia@cimamusic.ca