SOCAN & ACCORD Advocate for Boosting Canadian Music on Online Platforms in CRTC Consultation

The CRTC’s “MAL” Definition: A Game‑Changer for Canadian Music?

On December 11, 2025, SOCAN and the national coalition ACCORD submitted their final remarks to the Canadian Radio‑television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Their goal? To protect the rights of Canadian songwriters, composers, and publishers while reshaping the future of Canadian and Indigenous audio content.

Why “MAL” matters

The CRTC’s proposed MAL (Music, Artist, Lyrics) definition expands the traditional “CanCon” criteria by explicitly recognizing the separate contributions of writers and composers. This move aligns with the growing demand for fair compensation in the streaming era and could unlock new funding streams for creators.

Current Landscape: Canadian Music’s Share on Digital Platforms

SOCAN’s own data, echoed by independent research, shows that only about 10 % of the music streamed in Canada is Canadian. For comparison, the United Kingdom’s “Home‑grown” streaming quota sits at roughly 25 % according to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) source.

Did you know? Canada’s “Maple Music” streaming playlist on major platforms generates 5 % of total playlist impressions, yet contributes less than 1 % of total listening time.

Real‑World Example: Spotify’s “Fresh Finds” vs. “Canada’s Rising Stars”

Spotify’s algorithmic “Fresh Finds” playlist gives emerging artists a boost, but the “Canada’s Rising Stars” playlist—intended to showcase domestic talent—receives 30 % fewer clicks. The discrepancy highlights how recommendation engines still favor global hits over local content.

Future Trends Shaping Canadian Audio Content

1. Algorithmic Fairness and “Cultural Weighting”

Streaming services are experimenting with “cultural weighting,” a system that nudges algorithms to surface local creators without compromising user experience. Early pilots in Sweden have raised the domestic share from 8 % to 14 % within six months IFPI report.

2. Indigenous Music Integration

ACCORD’s mandate includes Indigenous creators. Expect new CRTC guidelines that require streaming platforms to feature Indigenous music in curated playlists and to support language‑preservation initiatives.

3. Blockchain‑Based Royalty Tracking

Emerging blockchain solutions promise transparent, real‑time royalty distribution. By embedding “MAL” metadata into smart contracts, songwriters and composers could see payments flow directly after each stream.

Pro Tips for Canadian Creators

Key Takeaways for Industry Stakeholders

• Advocacy for stronger “MAL” implementation will likely influence policy drafts by 2026.
• Digital platforms that adopt cultural weighting can improve compliance while keeping users engaged.
• Creators should leverage blockchain pilots to secure faster, more accurate payments.
• Indigenous partnerships will become a critical component of any national music strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MAL definition?

MAL stands for Music, Artist, and Lyrics. It expands “CanCon” by explicitly counting songwriters and composers in the content quota.

How does the 10 % market share affect Canadian creators?

A low share means fewer streams, less revenue, and limited exposure for home‑grown talent, making policy changes vital for sustainability.

Will streaming services be forced to promote Canadian music?

The CRTC is considering regulations that could require platforms to allocate a minimum percentage of recommendation slots to Canadian content.

How can indie artists benefit from the new guidelines?

By ensuring their metadata includes MAL tags, indie artists can increase their chances of being featured in mandatory Canadian playlists.

Next Steps for Readers

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