The Songwriters Association of Canada (S.A.C.) is pleased to announce its recent invitation by the Department of Canadian Heritage to participate in an important survey on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the cultural sector. This initiative is part of a series of targeted consultations that bring together cultural sector associations, artists, creators, and AI experts to discuss the opportunities and challenges AI presents to the creative industries.

As Canadian songwriters continue to innovate, they reinvest tirelessly in skills and technology to stay on the cutting edge of music creation. S.A.C. supports the use of AI as a tool to enhance human creativity and help creators push artistic boundaries. However, with the rise of generative AI, music creators face rampant misuse of their copyrighted works, often without consent, credit, or compensation.

In line with S.A.C.’s mission to advocate for fair treatment and compensation for songwriters, our participation in this survey underscores the need for urgent legal and regulatory protections for Canadian music creators. A clear and enforceable copyright and licensing framework is essential to ensure that AI innovation in Canada can support both creativity and respect for intellectual property.

S.A.C. has long advocated for policies that prevent unauthorized use of creative work and that compensate music creators fairly. We are committed to ensuring that songwriters have access to equitable licensing structures, so their rights as creators are upheld in an AI-driven environment. We believe this dialogue, guided by input from creators, ethical AI developers and rights organizations can lead to practical solutions and set new standards for responsible AI usage within Canada’s cultural sector.

Stay tuned for more updates as S.A.C. continues its work to safeguard the rights of Canadian songwriters in this rapidly evolving landscape.