Mr. Speaker, our love of music brings us together as Canadians, but it is tough for our working musicians right now. This week, I spoke to JUNO-winning musicians who spoke to the struggles of being a musician because of anti-competitive ticketing companies.
Thankfully, the United States justice department has moved forward on an antitrust lawsuit against Ticketmaster and Live Nation Entertainment for their anti-competitive practices. With this monopoly, it is hard for Canadian fans to support our local musicians and venues. Our world-class artists deserve full crowds and vibrant local venues.
Our government has strengthened the powers of the Competition Bureau; invested historic amounts in arts and culture, including the Canada music fund; and supported live events through the boosted Canada arts presentation fund. Let us even the playing field so that the working recording artists and musicians who create the music can thrive, rather than the monopolies that squeeze our hard-working musicians.