Quebec groups call for improved ‘offline discoverability’ of local music - CTV News

Quebec music groups want listeners to find local music beyond streaming services. In a new open letter, over 30 music organizations — including SOCAN, SPACQ-AE, GAMIQ and Quebec Music Council — have signed the document, which demands that the country focus on “offline discoverability” for local artists. Additional signatories include ADVANCE, Canadian Music Centre in Quebec, Francos de Montréal, Saint-Jean Baptiste Society of Montreal and SMAQ (Alternative Music Scenes of Quebec), among others. The organizations claim that the discoverability of homegrown acts isn't just reliant on streaming services. They share a list of places including “schools and educational institutions, shops, restaurants and hotels, tourist sites, public and institutional spaces, performance venues and festivals” where an artist can find a new audience. Although Spotify has cited Francophone music as one of the top genres on its platform in 2025, streaming numbers in the province only grew by 3% that same year, according to the Observatory of Culture and Communications of the Quebec Institute of Statistics.

Nova ScotiaA new Nova Scotia Health report on lessons learned from the Halifax-area wildfire three years ago has been taken offline, with one resident involved in the research saying she’s left confused and "shocked" by the move. Nova Scotia Health says report removed because approval process for publications was not followedHaley Ryan · CBC News · Posted: Oct 16, 2026 6:07 PM EDT | Last Updated: October 17Listen to this articleEstimated 5 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results. A Halifax firefighter works to put out fires in the Tantallon area. A new Nova Scotia Health report focused on residents' experiences in the 2023 wildfire has been taken offline because the authority says its internal approval process was not followed. (Communications Nova Scotia)A new Nova Scotia Health report on lessons learned from the Halifax-area wildfire three years ago has been taken offline, with one resident involved in the research saying she’s left confused and "shocked" by the move.

US trade officials downplay French language dispute, calling claims fabricated. Canada’s top trade negotiator with the United States, Dominic LeBlanc, says he “welcomes” a shift in the US position on “discoverability”, “labelling” and “measures to promote French language and Canadian culture” not being subject to US tariffs. LeBlanc praised the move in a post on Thursday on X and added that Canada is looking “forward to further constructive U. S. clarifications on their other positions, which would create the possibility of a mutually beneficial trade agreement”.

Midway AirportByABC7 Chicago Digital Team Tuesday, October 20, 2026 4:19AMA runway at Chicago Midway International Airport is now closed for safety repairs. WLSCHICAGO (WLS) -- A runway at Chicago Midway International Airport is now closed for safety repairs. The Chicago Department of Aviation says the departure end of the runway needs to be fixed after being damaged by recent aircraft activity. ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watchThe runway closure could cause flight delays and cancellations. "The extent of these disruptions will vary based on airline schedules and weather conditions, particularly wind direction, which affects how the airport's four-runway network can be used for arrivals and departures," the CDA said in a statement, in part. The work is expected to wrap up next month. Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. (WLS) -- Illinois Congresswoman Delia Ramirez is one of the latest elected officials to receive a suspicious envelope in the mail. Police were called to the congresswoman's office in West Chicago on Monday afternoon. ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watchThe FBI later took over the investigation. Top Stories4 family members among 5 dead after murder-suicide shooting at Mundelein home, police sayEvanston students recall New Trier fans yelling alleged racist, homophobic slurs at football game44 minutes agoOfficials ID 75-year-old woman who died after vehicle drove into 'contaminated water' in GaryAuthorities have not said what was inside the envelope. Similar mail has arrived at government offices around the country, including the offices of at least five other members of Congress from Illinois. No hazardous substances have been found. SEE ALSO | Suspicious letters prompt hazmat responses at 2 Cook County government buildingsREAD MORE | Suspicious letters sent to congressional offices in Illinois, FBI investigates nationwide incidentsCopyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.