The Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA formerly CIRPA) is the national trade association representing the English-language, Canadian-owned sector of the music industry.

CIMA’s membership consists of Canadian-owned companies and representatives of Canadian-owned companies involved in every aspect of the music, sound recording and music-related industries.

CIMA’s mandate is to ensure the long-term development of the sector and to raise the profile of Canadian independent music both in Canada and around the world.

CIMA continues to take a leadership role in improving the economic viability and well-being of the independent music and sound recording sector in important areas such as cultural industry policies and programs; intellectual property and copyright law; tax laws and tariffs; international export and trade development programs; and professional development.

Export Development

CIMA undertakes various initiatives to raise the profile and increase the success of the Canadian music industry at home and abroad. These include outgoing and incoming trade missions, marketing campaigns, educational programs and export marketing initiatives at international conferences and trade shows.

Export Marketing Initiatives – The Canada Stand

CIMA works proactively to assist the independent sector to expand business-to-business opportunities and business partnerships in the international marketplace. Chief among its strategies has been the creation and delivery of the Canada Stand, a collective initiative to provide strategic support for Canadian companies at key international trade shows around the world.