An Alberta Music Commissioner: Fact or Fiction?

Late in 2024, the Minister of Arts and Culture met with a small group of music sector leaders, including individuals from music venues, non-profit organizations, and advocacy groups where it was proposed that come February 2025, Alberta would create a Music Commissioner. So far so good right? Not so fast, because since then, government sources have revealed precious little about next steps and whether the feedback they solicited from the group will be acted on.

Some are questioning the government’s commitment to set a Music Commissioner up for success: IF no additional resources are available for the music Commission’s work; IF no discussion takes place with knowledgeable sector professionals regarding the necessary skills, experience, and history of music sector advocacy which should be prerequisites for the successful candidate; IF no province-wide search for the right person occurs THEN can the successful candidate REALLY be the champion the music sector needs?

Alberta, and Calgary specifically have had success with film and television production growth because government invested time and money in finding the right people and dedicated the right resources to compete both nationally and internationally for opportunities for film production.

A similar level of commitment is required from the province if the music ecosystem including our talented musicians, venues, production facilities, etc are to realize their full potential in Alberta. An Alberta Music Commissioner would need resources and support to tackle the regulatory roadblocks, industry infrastructure deficits, government indifference and talent retention strategies, to name but a few of the challenges that inhibit the ability of artists and industry to thrive here.  

What will government do in the face of these concerns? We’ll soon find out. The previous pattern with this UCP government shows that while they occasionally have constructive ideas, their implementation doesn’t usually pan out.

Reach out to my office with YOUR ideas on how we can grow the music industry in Alberta.

Yours in creativity,

Joe

Shadow Minister for Arts and Culture