Sound of Support: How Canada's Music Industry is Harmonizing Career and Care

TORONTO, ON – May 20, 2026 – For countless professionals in Canada's vibrant music industry, the demanding rhythm of late-night sessions, cross-country tours, and freelance contracts has long been at odds with another, equally demanding role: caregiving. It’s a quiet challenge that has forced many to choose between their passion and their family. Now, that conversation is hitting a powerful new chord.

A landmark report titled "Sound of Support: Exploring the Music Community's Caregiver Needs," released today by Women in Music Canada (WIMC) and Music Publishers Canada (MPC), is bringing the issue out from the wings and onto centre stage. Based on a survey of over 200 artists, managers, publishers, and administrators, the report paints a stark picture of a workforce juggling immense professional and personal responsibilities. It reveals that 73 per cent of respondents are caring for children, 39 per cent for aging parents or family, and more than a quarter are grappling with dual caregiving duties.

"Caregiving touches everyone in this industry and the conversations are finally moving from the sidelines to centre stage," said Robyn Stewart, Executive Director of Women in Music Canada and a caregiver for 14 years. "When we openly acknowledge challenges and barriers, we can create real change."

The Hidden Cost of a Hit Song

The conflict between a music career and caregiving is not just anecdotal; it is systemic. The industry's structure, often celebrated for its flexibility and creativity, creates significant hurdles. Irregular hours, the necessity of travel, and the prevalence of short-term contracts with no benefits make establishing the stable routines essential for care nearly impossible. This leads to significant financial and emotional strain, pushing skilled professionals out of the industry they love.

The "Sound of Support" report uncovers a critical disconnect: while some resources may exist, a staggering 78 per cent of caregivers were not aware of them. This awareness gap highlights a failure in communication and a lack of coordinated effort, leaving individuals to navigate their struggles in isolation. Many participants in the study's focus groups expressed feelings of being overwhelmed, uncertain of where to turn for help, and fearful of disclosing their caregiving status to employers, worried it might jeopardize future opportunities.

This reality has a tangible economic impact, contributing to a talent drain that the industry can ill afford. As skilled women, in particular, were disproportionately pushed out of the workforce during the pandemic due to caregiving duties, the report underscores a pre-existing inequality that the music sector must now urgently address to ensure its own sustainability and diversity.

A Roadmap for Rhythm and Respite

More than just a diagnosis of the problem, the "Sound of Support" report serves as a practical roadmap for change. It moves beyond identifying barriers to proposing concrete, actionable solutions designed to build a more inclusive and resilient music ecosystem. Recommendations include implementing hybrid and flexible work models, providing on-site childcare at major industry events and conferences, offering financial stipends to offset caregiving costs, and developing clear, accessible employer policy templates.

Momentum is already building to turn these recommendations into reality. The report highlights the expansion of Balancing Act's Level UP! Initiative into the music sector, a crucial partnership led by Women in Music Canada. Level UP! is a national program that supports arts organizations in piloting care-centred workplace policies. Having already worked with over 150 partners, the initiative provides financial support, expert consultation, and proven resources to organizations willing to innovate.

Pilots under the initiative have included everything from flexible work policies and on-site childcare to compassion funds for unexpected family crises. This hands-on approach is creating a library of best practices tailored to the unique demands of the creative industries.

"This report is a call to action and we're encouraged by the willingness we see across the industry to adopt new practices, share what works, and build a music ecosystem in Canada where caregivers can thrive," stated Margaret McGuffin, CEO of Music Publishers Canada.

A Blueprint Beyond the Backstage

The challenges and solutions emerging from Canada's music scene resonate far beyond the industry itself. With nearly one in two Canadians expected to become a caregiver at some point in their lives, the struggle to balance work and care is a national issue. A 2023 University of Alberta study confirmed that conditions for employed caregivers are deteriorating, with over 5.2 million Canadians struggling to manage both responsibilities.

In this context, the music industry's proactive and collaborative effort offers a potential blueprint for other demanding, project-based sectors. By openly confronting the issue, quantifying its impact, and piloting tangible solutions, the sector is positioning itself as an unlikely leader in workplace innovation. This movement mirrors similar efforts globally, such as the work of PiPA (Parents and Carers in Performing Arts) in the UK, indicating a worldwide recognition that supporting caregivers is essential for the health of the creative economy.

The collaboration between Music Publishers Canada, Women in Music Canada, and programs like Level UP! demonstrates a united front determined to rewrite the industry's unwritten rules. For McGuffin, who has held multiple caregiving roles herself, the potential impact is clear. She expressed her optimism that the Canadian music industry is developing smart, innovative strategies, hoping that other industries will take notice and be inspired to take similar action.