Today, SOCAN launches Music Creator Day to celebrate Canadian music, and the talented songwriters, composers and music publishers who make it possible. This year marks SOCAN's 100th Anniversary of championing Canadian music creators - empowering them to tell our stories, enrich our culture, and earn a living from their craft.
Acknowledged by the Honourable Senator René Cormier on Nov. 4, 2025, in the Senate, and Member of Parliament David Myles in the House of Commons on Nov. 6, 2025, from now on, November 7 will be recognized annually as Music Creator Day, coinciding with the birthday of iconic Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell. As Mitchell is a Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and recipient of the 2025 SOCAN Cultural Impact Award, the date pays tribute to her contributions, and stands as a lasting legacy for the next generation of music creators.
"Thank you for honouring my work in this manner," said Mitchell. "Although I have lived mostly in the States since I was 21, I live part-time in B.C. I have always been proud to be a Canadian, and lately more than ever."
"Supporting our artists means supporting our culture, our creative economy, and the living heritage of our country," said the Honourable Senator René Cormier. "By celebrating our creators, we affirm who we are: a country that believes in the power of art and artists."
"Music Creator Day reaffirms SOCAN's mission to guarantee that creators of music in Canada are respected, recognized, and paid fairly," said Member of Parliament David Myles. "I invite you all to sit down and enjoy your favourite Joni song, or a song by any other amazing Canadian, and honour the great musical creators of this country on Music Creator Day."
A recent survey of Canadians conducted by Pollara for SOCAN, about the value of music creation in culture, highlights:
Local music is a cornerstone of Canadian identity: 81% of Canadians believe supporting local music creators is vital to ensuring our culture thrives for future generations77% say local music helps define Canadian culture, with 83% of Quebecers especially likely to agree.
Canadian music strengthens our global image: 78% agree that local music being played around the world helps strengthen Canada's cultural image internationally.
Music makes Canada more vibrant: 75% of Canadians feel the country is stronger and more vibrant because of its deep roots in music creation and history of producing great music.
Human-created music matters deeply to Canadians: A resounding 87% say it's important that the music they listen to is created by humans - not AI with 65% saying it's very important.
Beginning in 2026, the SOCAN Foundation will introduce three grants of up to $10,000 each to support organizations with programs or projects that celebrate and empower music creators in Canada. Applications will open on the SOCAN Foundation website in January.
"These findings reaffirm what we've always known: that music is part of who we are as Canadians. It shapes our identity, strengthens our voice in the world, and connects us to one another," said Jennifer Brown, SOCAN CEO. "We must meet this moment by investing in the people who make our music possible, so Canadian creativity continues to lead, both at home and on the world stage. It's our commitment, and our responsibility, to build a future where human creativity thrives. That is what Music Creator Day is all about - ensuring the people who make the music we love are supported, valued, and heard."
Printed from the official Joni Mitchell website. Permanent link: https://jonimitchell.com/library/view.cfm?id=5945
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