The Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) is applauding the federal government’s renewed commitment to Canada’s music ecosystem through its Budget 2025 investment in the Canada Music Fund (CMF). The announcement includes a $48 million top-up over three years beginning in 2026–27, a move CIMA calls a promising first step toward ensuring the long-term sustainability of Canada’s independent music sector. “We’re encouraged to see the government acknowledge the importance of the Canada Music Fund,” said Andrew Cash, President and CEO of CIMA. “Canadian music companies and the artists they work with represent a dynamic economic engine powering the growth of Canada’s cultural economy. This budget announcement is an encouraging step forward.”
CIMA emphasized that while the renewed investment is welcome, more support is needed to maintain momentum. The organization and its partners have called for a permanent increase to $60 million annually to help Canadian-owned music companies, entrepreneurs, and artists thrive in an increasingly competitive global market. For over forty years, the CMF—delivered through FACTOR and Musicaction—has played a key role in fueling creativity, exports, and innovation within the country’s music industry.
According to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Canada’s arts and culture sector has grown nearly twice as fast as the national economy, contributing $65 billion and 1.1 million jobs. Cash added, “A stable Canada Music Fund is essential to building a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable music industry that reflects and amplifies Canada’s diverse voices.” With this latest budget, CIMA hopes to continue working closely with the federal government to strengthen investment in Canadian talent and solidify the nation’s standing as a global leader in music and culture.