CLMA Recommendations for the Federal Budget, May 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa, ON - May 21, 2026
Today, the CLMA submitted its brief to the Standing Committee on Finance (FINA) in advance of the 2026 Budget.
We recommended three targeted measures to strengthen Canada’s live music ecosystem and competitiveness in the global live event economy:
Support the sustainability of Canadian live music businesses: bolster the Canadian businesses who present Canadian artists through the Canada Music Fund.
Establish a Live Performing Arts Accelerator to stimulate touring activity and support sustainable careers for Canadian artists and live performance workers.
Launch a National Music Tourism Strategy to position Canada as a leading destination for live music experiences.
Canada’s live music ecosystem plays a vital role in supporting Canadian artists, sustaining cultural communities, and generating economic activity. From small independent venues to internationally recognized festivals, live performance provides the foundation on which Canadian artists build their careers while creating jobs and opportunities across the country.
At the same time, live music is increasingly recognized globally as a powerful driver of tourism and destination development. As competition for experience-based travel intensifies, countries that invest in their live event ecosystems will be better positioned to attract visitors and capture new economic opportunities.
A thriving live music ecosystem allows Canadian artists to build careers at home while generating jobs, tourism, and cultural vitality in communities across the country. With thoughtful policy leadership, Canada has the opportunity to become one of the world’s leading destinations for live music experiences.
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CONTACT:
Canadian Live Music Association