Songwriters Association of Canada (S.A.C.) Board Chair Greg Johnston recently participated in a virtual roundtable hosted by Canadian Heritage to inform the development of the Government of Canada’s new Creative Technology Program.

Announced as part of Canada’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, the $50-million investment over five years is intended to help creators, cultural organizations and businesses shape and develop AI and creative technologies on their own terms.

The roundtable brought together perspectives from across the cultural sector to discuss the capacity, partnerships, expertise and resources needed to strengthen the sector’s role in developing creative technologies. Input from participants will help inform the design and implementation of the program.

S.A.C. continues to advocate for a future in which songwriters and music creators have a meaningful voice in the development of AI technologies that affect their work, livelihoods and rights. Ensuring that creators are active participants in shaping these technologies is essential to building an innovative and sustainable creative economy that respects the value of human creativity.