Ontario and Canadian Music Industry

I have started the process of talking with the province and the federal government on the creation of guidelines and legislation that would provide guidelines and legislation for major festivals and events in Canada to utilize Canadian bands more and help develop a grass roots program. I have several ideas on these guidelines and would be interested in others viewpoint.

As a bare minimum any Canadian fair or festival that receives government grant money at any level, should have to be required to have one provincial or federal act performing for every American one. This includes provincially run casinos. American acts have not problem crossing the border to play here in Canada, while Canadian are getting turned away at the border, even with the proper documentation needed.

I am certainly not against bringing Major American acts into Canada, but use these opportunities to help give exposure to lessor known Canadian acts.

Secondly, the current radio and video airing of Canadian music is just not enough. The CANCON rules need modification to really help develop and promote Canadian acts. Many festivals and events will not hire you unless you are on the radio charts or have a video airing, and it currently way to difficult to get on Canadian TV and Radio.

I feel there should be guidelines for each province and for all of Canada on both these matters.

This is for all music genres. It won't be easy and may be a long process, but if anything comes out of it, it will be a great benefit.

If you are interested in having input or getting involved, please e-mail a message to me at info@robmac.org.

R.