Kris Krüg

Next Thursday, the CRTC will convene hearings on how we define Canadian Content and airplay exposure for Canadian artists, emerging artists, and Indigenous artists. Canada has a unique culture that is always at risk of being drowned out by the cultural behemoth to our south, and radio has a role to play in amplifying Canada's cultural voice. We are proud of that role. But the current regulations were designed in 1971, when Canadian radio faced no foreign competition and the Canadian music industry was in its infancy. Radio could afford to lend a hand to the music industry. Today, the radio industry battles foreign competition every day, from unregulated streaming platforms and online radio stations from around the globe. Industry revenue has dropped over 30% in the past decade. And unlike 1971, the Canadian music industry is thriving. Major and indie labels are reporting double-digit growth, thanks largely to revenue from the very unregulated foreign streaming platforms radio competes with. We were asked to lend a hand in 1971, and now all we're asking for the favour to be returned with a few common sense changes that will allow the radio industry to be healthier and more competitive: 🇨🇦 All songs written or performed primarily by Canadians should be designated Canadian. Right now, that isn't the case. The Canadian system gives priority to writers, leaving many songs by Canadian artists designated as not Canadian. 🇨🇦 Canadian Content mandates need to be reset to the 25% level that was established in 1971. That crept up to 30% in the 80s and 35% in the 90s. It is time to reset and normalize this number back to 25%. 🇨🇦 No exposure mandates are necessary for emerging artists. Nearly every contemporary-based music station plays more than 5% emerging artists every day as a course of business. There is simply no problem here to be solved. 🇨🇦 No exposure mandates are necessary for Indigenous artists. This isn't about airplay, it is about funding and access to resources so that more great commercially-viable music can be created by Indigenous artists. Funding needs to be directed to ensure that resources and opportunities are accessible to Indigenous artists anywhere in Canada. A healthy Canadian radio industry is symbiotic with a healthy Canadian music industry. The radio industry contributes 0.5% of all profits to "Canadian Content Development" funding. When 30% of industry profits evaporate, so does millions in funding. Radio's success creates more funding for Canadian music, but that success is tough when we compete against unregulated foreign streaming giants and are saddled by regulations that limit our ability to reflect audience tastes and desires. We are eager to collaborate with our radio and music industry colleagues and the regulator to build a sensible ecosystem that allows all of us to thrive!

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“Anchor Youth Space Nova Scotia is built on a model that reimagines how we work together, by breaking down barriers, co-designing with youth, and creating connected, forward-thinking solutions that respond to the evolving needs of young people.” The second and third of eight planned Integrated Youth Services (IYS) sites across Nova Scotia are now open, providing immediate mental health and social services to young people living in Halifax and Sydney. The IYS sites offer walk-in support to youth aged 12 to 25, including counselling, peer support, life skills groups, mental health and wellness supports, and help with employment, education and training. The new sites are Anchor Youth Space Halifax located at the Community YMCA (2269 Gottingen Street, Halifax) and Anchor Youth Space Sydney, located at the New Dawn Centre (37 Nepean Street, Sydney). YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth and New Dawn Enterprises are the lead organizations for the two IYS sites. https://lnkd.in/gk4kTJQg

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The non-profit sector in B.C. is stretched thin and the numbers now prove it. Vantage Point’s newly released State of the Sector report, “Stretched Thin,” offers one of the clearest reflections yet of the realities many of us in the non-profit world are living every day. It captures the current sentiment and challenges facing organizations across the province with precision and honesty, the growing pressures, the resilience, and the deep commitment that still drives our work forward. The non-profit sector in B.C. is made up of tens of thousands of organizations that form the connective tissue of our communities from housing and mental health to arts, education, and the environment. Collectively, this sector employs more than 360,000 people and contributes nearly $30 billion to B.C.’s economy. What stands out in this report is how accurately it surfaces both the urgency and opportunity of this moment. The findings echo what so many leaders, staff, and volunteers feel every day: the strain of rising needs, limited capacity, and systems that haven’t kept pace with demand. 🔹 Rising complexity and demand: Organizations are seeing increased need and more complex challenges in areas like housing, mental health, and community safety. 🔹 Less resilient times: Costs are up, while most funding sources remain flat or inflexible. Many organizations are being stretched to the breaking point. 🔹 Workforce under strain: Recruitment and retention are major concerns as burnout rises and wages struggle to stay competitive. 🔹 Call for structural change: The sector is asking for multi-year, inflation-adjusted funding, workforce investment, and more collaborative approaches between government, funders, and non-profits. This report should challenge all of us, from funders and policymakers to community partners, to recognize that strong non-profits are not a “nice to have.” They are the backbone of a healthy, inclusive, and resilient province. The data is clear: when the non-profit sector struggles, our communities do too. But when it’s supported with trust, stable funding, and meaningful partnerships, it unlocks potential that benefits everyone. Thank you to Vantage Point for continuing to shine a light on this vital work and providing the evidence we need to drive lasting change.

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