Bryan Adams accuses Trudeau government of penalizing 'artists for multiculturalism.' Heritage minister responds (2024)

Canadian rockstar Bryan Adams — known for his hits “Summer of ’69” and “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” — slammed federal legislation in a video posted online, grabbing the attention of thefederal heritage minister.

“Canadian music is global. It’s time the government recognises that,” says the caption of the video Adams posted on X, formerly Twitter.

It has garnered more than 48,000 views since it went online on Thursday morning.

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“Did you know the Canadian government is looking at new rules for music on streaming services?” Adams asked, referring to a plan being implemented by national broadcast regulator Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

The new rules point to CRTC policies and regulations ensuring that “Canadian works are played on Canadian radio stations. Each licensed station is required to devote a percentage of its weekly music broadcasting to Canadian content,” according to the CRTC’s website.

“With the adoption of the Online Streaming Act (Bill C-11), the CRTC is working towards modernizing Canada’s broadcasting framework and ensuring that online streaming services make meaningful contributions to Canadian and Indigenous content,” the national broadcast regulator notes. “Creators will have opportunities to tell their stories and Canadians will have access to a greater variety and diversity of content.”

According to its timeline, consultations on audio content are set to begin in Spring 2025.

Although the new system would put an emphasis on Canadian music across streaming platforms, critics have been wary about the possible changes.

If songs aren’t Canadian enough, they might not be prioritized on streaming services

Bryan Adams

“Why is the government involved in this? Well, it’s to make sure that Canadian artists get a fair share on radio and on streaming.” said Adams.

“However, the government has rules on what defines Canadian. And if an artist decides to work with collaborators from other countries then those songs might not be considered Canadian. And if songs aren’t Canadian enough, they might not be prioritized on streaming services.”

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Adams said although he is Canadian, he has worked with musicians and producers from around the world. He accused the government of wanting to “penalize artists for this multiculturalism.”

“I’m asking the Canadian government to work with artists and the music industry to define Canadian music in a way that doesn’t leave out those of us who work with global collaborators,” he said.

Adams called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau directly.

“Hey Justin Trudeau, music is global and the rules need to change with the times,” he said.

Although Trudeau has not responded, Adams did receive a response from Minister of Canadian Heritage Pascale St-Onge.

“Firstly, big fan! Secondly, don’t worry,” she wrote on X. “This modernized system being implemented by the CRTC won’t prioritize certain artists or songs — it just helps create more music in Canada.”

The post continued: “We’re helping to support the next generation of Bryan Adams in succeeding here and around the world, but we still need the original too.”

St-Onge pointed out that global companies profit in Canada and should contribute more to making Canadian music. The CRTC, she said, will collaborate with the music industry, artists and companies to achieve its goal.

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“We can all succeed, together,” she wrote.

Adams is no stranger to CRTC rulings. More than 30 years ago, the artist called out the commission for deeming his song “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” not Canadian enough, the CBC reported in 1994.

“The Canadian government should just take a step out of the music business entirely,” Adams said at the time.

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