Official Languages Committee on Nov. 27th, 2025

[Madeleine Chenette, Liberal, Thérèse-De Blainville, QC]

I thank the witnesses for participating in this very interesting discussion today. There are so many questions to ask.

Our Canadian pride is on the rise, and the francophonie, just like our anglophone communities, is becoming increasingly important for our economy.

I understand you well when you say that people need to see themselves in music.

When it comes to promoting this, is there a difference between promoting Canadian content, which can be in English or French, and promoting strictly French-language content, which includes both Canadian content and content consumed by the francophonie around the world?

This represents a huge market of 321 million people.

[Simon Claus]

Yes, there’s a difference.

It’s important to keep our language alive with other francophone peoples. Indeed, when we talk about showcasing, we’re referring to both Canadian content and francophone Canadian content, which is fundamental.

It should be noted that our radio stations, which are our partners, have had quotas in the past for French‑language music that were higher than the Canadian content quota, which is 35%.

However, since these are people located in Quebec and the programmers are committed to playing our songs, naturally, we’ve always broadcast Canadian francophone music on the radio, for the most part. So, it’s something that’s important to us as well.

[Madeleine Chenette, Liberal, Thérèse-De Blainville, QC]

As you said, there are many things happening in the sector, and to ensure the survival of our radio stations, we also need to promote our culture. We have therefore allocated $770 million to culture in Canada, a historic budget.

In your opinion, what should be done to encourage radio stations to view quotas not as a penalty, but as an opportunity to showcase our culture, which is constantly evolving?

Do you have any other suggestions for us on that?

[Simon Claus]

As Ms. Paré said, we have created a virtuous circle. Historically, French‑language music has represented 40% to 50% of album sales, particularly with the help of radio. This has helped highlight francophone, Québécois and Canadian music.

People are inclined to buy this music, and a star system has been defended that, in turn, helped feed radio. It’s not Taylor Swift who’ll come give an interview to a radio station in Quebec City or Trois-Rivières. On the other hand, our artists come to these radio stations, and people will hear artists who look like them and are close to them.

All of this continues to feed this virtuous circle. We must not break this chain. On the contrary, it needs to be strengthened, particularly by subjecting digital companies to the obligations set out by law.

[The Chair, Liberal, Yvan Baker]

Thank you, Ms. Chenette.

I now give the floor to Mr. Beaulieu for one minute and a half.

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

You propose to integrate the current definition of francophone vocal music into the Radio Regulations, 1986.

Could you tell us a little more about that?

[Simon Claus]

According to the definition of the term “French‑language vocal music”, or according to the practices of the CRTC, 50% of the lyrics sung must be in French. This practice has never been established in regulations.

We therefore propose that, as part of the current revision of the Broadcasting Act, this be included in the Radio Regulations, 1986. This technical detail will clarify a practice that’s already being applied within the CRTC.

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

Several surveys show that the English‑speaking population knows very, very little about French‑language music. We’re really talking about two solitudes.

Could we consider setting a quota for French‑language music on English‑language radio stations?

[Simon Claus]

We wouldn’t be against this idea. We find it positive that this audience is interested in our music and sees that what’s being done here is just as good.

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

Okay.

[The Chair, Liberal, Yvan Baker]

You have 15 seconds left.

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

All right.

Do you have any other solutions to suggest to us?

[Simon Claus]

In 15 seconds, I’ll only have time to thank you.

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Yvan Baker]

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu.

I now give the floor to Mr. Dalton for three minutes.

[Marc Dalton, Conservative, Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge, BC]

Thank you very much.

Since I have very little time, I would ask you to answer with yes or no to the first questions.

Do you agree that people are listening to music on the radio less and less?

[Simon Claus]

They listen to it for shorter and shorter periods of time, yes.

[Marc Dalton, Conservative, Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge, BC]

It’s said that listening time has dropped by about 50%.

Do you agree that commercial stations are experiencing a decline in profitability and that the possibility of closure is becoming more and more real?

[Simon Claus]

I don’t have the exact financial data to answer your question.

[Marc Dalton, Conservative, Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge, BC]

Broadcasters told us they do not want to force listeners to listen to English songs. However, they’re sensitive to their tastes, and they want to give them what they want, whether it’s French music or English music. They want more flexibility.

Is that true or not?

[Simon Claus]

In fact, it's a premise that we disagree with. Flexibility already exists. We were talking about montages earlier. If you listen to the radio, because we listen—

[Marc Dalton, Conservative, Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge, BC]

Excuse me for interrupting. I have very little time, and I have two other questions.

Over two years ago, in April 2023, when the Liberals took control of the Internet with the Online Streaming Act, they claimed that these censorship powers were necessary to help Canadian content creators.

Can you tell us if such strict government control has helped popularize French‑language vocal music?

Do you see a difference since that law was passed?

[Simon Claus]

We see a difference in the sense that a decision has already been made by the CRTC concerning the obligation for financial contribution. The CRTC is an independent administrative tribunal responsible for implementing the Broadcasting Act.

Regarding the obligations for development and recommendations, no decision has been made yet. This process is long and democratic, and it requires consultation with the various stakeholders. Since the beginning of the year, we have, for example, submitted eight briefs and held three public hearings. We hope that this will change—

[Marc Dalton, Conservative, Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge, BC]

Excuse me for interrupting.

Short video platforms, like TikTok, Instagram reels, and YouTube shorts, provide ways other than radio to discover content, as the user doesn't know which song will play next.

What do music artists do to increase their discoverability on platforms?

[The Chair, Liberal, Yvan Baker]

Please respond briefly, in 15 seconds.