Music Industry in Canada: Changes and Challenges Ahead

Canada's music scene is facing some big changes in 2026. Let's dive in. First up, the Online Streaming Act is causing quite a stir. This law, updated in 2023, requires big streaming platforms to pay a portion of their Canadian earnings to support local content. Platforms like Spotify and Netflix aren't happy about it and are fighting back. They argue they're already contributing to Canadian content. The U. S. government is also putting pressure on Canada to scrap this law. If it goes away, Canadian radio and TV stations might struggle to stay open. It's a tough situation with no easy answers. Job cuts in the music industry are another big issue. Warner Music Canada laid off a bunch of staff in late 2025. This isn't just happening in Canada. Universal Music Group is also cutting jobs worldwide to save money. As big companies get bigger, will more jobs be at risk?AI is changing the music game too. The big players in music rights, like SOCAN, have started accepting AI-generated music. But not everyone is on board. Some artists and companies are worried about AI stealing their work without permission. The Canadian government is listening to these concerns, but what will they do about it? Amidst all these challenges, Michael Bublé is still topping the charts. His Christmas album hit No. 1 in Canada again, making it the 10th different year it's been at the top. That's a record! Bublé's album is a holiday favorite, selling millions of copies worldwide. It's a reminder that even in tough times, great music can still shine.