Latest News
March 15, 2023
Currently, 35% of radio airtime for Popular Music formats in Canada is reserved for recordings that meet the criteria for definition as Canadian Content (popularly known as CanCon). Currently, a recording must embody a minimum of two of the following four elements: M (music): the music is composed entirely by a Canadian A (artist): the music is, or the lyrics are, performed principally by a Canadian P (performance): the musical selection consists of a live performance that is recorded wholly in Canada, or performed wholly in Canada and broadcast live in Canada L (lyrics): the lyrics are written entirely by a Canadian This is commonly referred to as the “Maple System” (MAPL). With multiple writers, if the majority of the combined writing credits are Canadian, it qualifies. The Canadian […]
January 18, 2023
The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors that will consist of a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of thirteen (13) Directors, of which, nine (9) shall be elected and up to four (4) may be appointed at the discretion of the Board. Each elected or appointed Director shall serve for a period of two years. A Director may serve an unlimited number of duly elected or appointed terms. To maintain governance continuity, seat vacancies on the Board are alternated each calendar year; only a portion of the seats on the Board will be available for each election. Existing Directors who are not running for re-election will serve as the Nomination Approval Committee for all nominees. All Directors must be over […]
November 28, 2022
CMAOntario Festival & Awards 11th Anniversary Celebration Is Coming to Hamilton June 2023 Tickets On Sale Friday, December 2 at 11:00am November 28, 2022 (TORONTO) Greetings from the Country Music Association of Ontario! We are excited to announce that the CMAOntario Awards will be returning to Hamilton in June 2023. The Awards, presented by Slaight Music, will cap off a weekend of live events scheduled throughout the city from June 2-4, with a rousing celebration on Sunday, June 4th, 7pm, at Theatre Aquarius. “The CMAOntario is thrilled to be returning to Hamilton! Fans here know and support country music and we can’t wait to bring the fun of music and activity to Hamilton once again for our biggest annual event!” said CMAOntario President Steve Kassay. […]
June 6, 2022
The Country Music Association of Ontario Announces Winners of the 10th Annual CMAOntario Awards June 5, 2022 (LONDON, ON) The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) tonight celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the CMAOntario Awards, presented by Slaight Music, with 20 award presentations at Centennial Hall. Meghan Patrick led with three wins for Album of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and the Compass Award. Hosted by Jason McCoy and Robyn Ottolini, the CMAOntario Awards included performances by Tebey, Robyn Ottolini, Genevieve Fisher, Sacha, Jason Blaine, Kristine St-Pierre, Nate Haller, River Town Saints, The Western Swing Authority and special guest Aaron Goodvin. Cory Marks and Tim Hicks teamed up for “Blame It On The Double”, and in a tribute to Impact Award recipient Carroll Baker, the CMAOntario […]
May 4, 2022
CMAOntario Announces More Performers for the CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend Aaron Goodvin, Jason Blaine, Dani Strong, The Wilkinsons, Roslyn Witter, and Ryan Langdon May 4, 2022 (TORONTO) The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is happy to announce additional programming for the CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend taking place June 2-5, 2022 in London, Ontario including the all-new Street Fair. On Friday, June 3 Songs & Stories: Songwriters in the Round will take place at the Toboggan Brewing Co. as country music stars play their fan favourite tunes and share the stories behind them. Hosted by award-winning radio veteran Randy Owen, Songs & Stories will feature: Jason Blaine, nominated for Male Artist of the Year at the CMAOntario Awards; Dani Strong, set to release her […]
April 19, 2022
CMAOntario Announces Performers and Free Events for the CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend June 2-5, 2022 in London, Ontario April 19, 2022 (TORONTO) The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is thrilled to announce programming for the CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend taking place June 2-5, 2022 in London, Ontario, including an all-new Street Fair with a series of free concerts. “We are thrilled to welcome back the CMAOntario Festival & Awards to London UNESCO City of Music this June. 2022 brings an expanded format of programming with more exciting ways for the community to enjoy. The CMAOntario’s return is part of London’s commitment to supporting a robust music ecosystem, bringing employment opportunities, artist performances and public facing activations for Londoners to enjoy,” said Cory Crossman, Music […]
April 14, 2022
Tebey, Tim Hicks, Genevieve Fisher, Sacha, Cory Marks and more Announced As Performers for 2022 CMAOntario Awards Sunday, June 5 at Centennial Hall in London, Ontario April 14, 2022 (TORONTO) The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is thrilled to announce an incredible lineup of performers for the 10th Annual CMAOntario Awards, presented by Slaight Music, taking place on Sunday, June 5 at Centennial Hall in London, Ontario. Tickets are on sale now. Hosted by Jason McCoy and Robyn Ottolini, the CMAOntario Awards will include live, in person performances by: Tebey, nominated for four awards at the 2022 CMAOntario Awards; Tim Hicks, nominated for three awards; Genevieve Fisher, nominated for two awards; Sacha, nominated for two awards; Cory Marks, nominated for two awards; Jason Blaine, nominated for […]
March 24, 2022
The Country Music Association of Ontario Announces 2022 CMAOntario Awards Nominees Meghan Patrick, Robyn Ottolini, Tebey, and Jade Eagleson Lead In Nominations March 24, 2022 (TORONTO) The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is excited to announce the nominees for the 10th Annual CMAOntario Awards, taking place on Sunday, June 5 at Centennial Hall in London, Ontario. Meghan Patrick and Robyn Ottolini lead with six nominations apiece, followed by Tebey and Jade Eagleson with four nominations each. Hosted by Jason McCoy and Robyn Ottolini, the CMAOntario Awards Show will close out the CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend June 2-5, 2022. The CMAOntario Awards, presented by Slaight Music, will acknowledge the talent and achievements of Ontario’s country music industry across 19 categories. Tickets for the CMAOntario Awards Show are on sale now. The CMAOntario […]
February 14, 2022
Tickets On Sale Friday, February 18 at 11:00am February 14, 2022 (TORONTO) The Country Music Association of Ontario is excited to announce that the CMAOntario Awards will be returning to London in June 2022 for a live and loud celebration in honour of the event’s 10th anniversary. The Awards, presented by Slaight Music, will cap off a weekend of live events scheduled throughout the city from June 2-5, with a rousing celebration on Sunday, June 5th, 7pm, at Centennial Hall. “Live music is back, and I am ecstatic that the CMAOntario Festival & Awards will return to London to celebrate their 10thanniversary. London is a city filled with incredible musical talents, skilled industry professionals, remarkable venues and world-class music fans making London, Canada’s first […]