FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CIMA Celebrates 50 Years of Championing Independent Music in Canada [TORONTO, ON – February 20, 2025] – CIMA, the world’s first trade association for the independent music industry, is turning 50 this year! For half a century, CIMA (Canadian Independent Music Association) has played a pivotal role in the growth of Canada’s independent music sector. From innovative policy programming, key member services, and an industry leading export program, CIMA continues to strengthen our domestic music industry and raise the profile of Canadian music, both home and abroad. Founded in 1975 by a small group of passionate producers and independent music companies, CIMA (then CIRPA) was formed to protect and advance the then-fledgling Canadian independent record business. CIMA has been at the forefront of the Canadian music industry’s efforts to build a fair market eco-system for Canadian owned companies. This includes supporting strong copyright laws, enforcing Canadian content requirements on radio, and encouraging tech platforms to invest in Canada. CIMA’s work throughout its history has been directly responsible for $100’s of millions of investments into the sector through world-renowned programs such as FACTOR and Radio Starmaker, as well as the Canada Music Fund, and the Ontario Music Investment Fund. As we celebrate this anniversary milestone, we will reflect on the impact CIMA has had on the Canadian industry over the decades while unveiling new strategic initiatives that continue to serve the Canadian-owned music industry of today. Our kick-off celebration will take place at our upcoming CIMA AFTERPARTY at Performance Works in Vancouver on March 29, where we will gather with industry friends to honour the successes of our Canadian owned music companies and their artists. Look out for invites in the coming weeks. In the meantime, keep an eye on our newsletter, website and social media channels for updates as we roll out a year of history, celebration and continued growth.

-- 30 --

About CIMA Founded in 1975 CIMA is the not-for-profit national trade association representing over 650 Canadian-owned music companies connected to over 6000 artists and music industry workers in every province and territory in Canada. CIMA's membership ranges from individual artists and solopreneurs to Canadian-owned global music companies. Its membership also includes music publishers, managers, agents, songwriters, as well as other industry associations, provincial MIA’s and industry adjacent service companies including in digital marketing, public relations and content creation. Media Contact: For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact: Jenia Schukov Communications & Export Programming Officer p: 416-998-3705 e: jenia@cimamusic.ca