News Archive
The Songwriters Association of Canada provides regular updates on the economic and cultural climate for music creators in Canada and abroad. We also operate a number of showcases, seminars and industry events for members and the wider public. Stay up to date with our work by checking the news archive below and following us on Twitter and Facebook.
In Memory of Canadian Songwriting Legend Gordon Lightfoot
The Canadian Music Community is mourning the loss of a Canadian songwriting icon and trailblazer, Gordon Lightfoot. Born in Orillia, Ontario in 1938, Lightfoot expressed an interest in music from…
Songwriters Association of Canada (S.A.C.) applauds the Senate’s recent passing of Bill C-11, the Online Streaming Act.
Toronto, ON – April 28, 2023 The Songwriters Association of Canada (S.A.C.) is thrilled to welcome the passage of Bill C-11 by the Senate. This a historic milestone for the…
Remembering Jon Erickson (1956-2023)
Jon Erickson was a veteran Canadian sound engineer and tour manager, and was beloved by the greater Canadian music community. Originally from Calgary, Jon came to Toronto in the early…
Stand Up for Bill C-11 – Write to your MPs today
Dear S.A.C. members and songwriters: If you believe that online businesses should contribute to the Canadian cultural ecosystem in the same way that traditional businesses do, in order to support…
Honouring Shirley Eikhard
S.A.C. is celebrating the incredible life of Canadian songwriting legend, Shirley Eikhard, who passed away peacefully on December 15, 2022. Originally from New Brunswick, Shirley moved to Ontario at the…
The Songwriters Association of Canada Announces New Executive Director
President Arun Chaturvedi welcomes Tiffany Ferguson, as S.A.C. Executive Director TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2022 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TORONTO, ON – The Songwriters Association of Canada announces the appointment of…
Mechanical royalties: Footnote to a historic achievement
Our international partner, the International Council of Music Creators (CIAM) has released a summary of the recent achievements regarding the US Copyright Royalty Board and mechanical royalties on physical and downloads. The…
Breaking Down Racial Barriers: Anti-Black Racism in the Canadian Music Industry (Volume 1)
As a proud signatory of Breaking Down Racial Barriers, S.A.C. is encouraging all our members and peers to take the time to acknowledge the Report – Volume 1 of Breaking…
Why Broadcasting Act Reform Must Happen Now – Article Series by SOCAN
Lack of Reform Costs Canadian Songwriters and Composers $28-Million-Plus Story by Andrea Kokonis, SOCAN Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel, and Fraser Turnbull, SOCAN Legal Counsel / Andrea Kokonis, chef…
International Women’s Day: Patsy Gallant
Quebec dominated the Canadian disco scene in the 1970’s. Quebec disco singles often sold well in Europe, and to hipper American d.j.’s, and left a string of cult favourites. The…
S.A.C. Black History Songwriters’ Series: George Hector
George Hector’s life gives one a glimpse of the music which permeated the challenging lives of African Canadian Maritimers. Former Poet Laureate of Canada, George Elliott Clarke, coined the term…
S.A.C. Black History Songwriters’ Series: Mel Brown
At the age of 50, a second career in music beckoned established guitarist Mel Brown and found him relocating from Texas to Canada for a 20-year career making and supporting…
Update from Ottawa
A new video clip on federal support for live performance Live music and theatre is so important to our communities, both for work and entertainment. MP Julie Dabrusin raised in…
SOCAN Responds to Tabling of Online Streaming Act (EN / FR)
Canadians Agree: Online Streaming Companies Should Promote Music Made in Canada français à suivre Toronto, February 3, 2022 –More than two-thirds (68%) of Canadians agree that it is important for…
The Rules for Online Streaming Are Changing
On February 2, 2022, a press conference took place with The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, where he discussed the introduction of the proposed Online Streaming…