Artificial intelligence has become a hot topic in the music industry, and Margaret McGuffin has become one of the key voices ensuring that the technology is implemented fairly and equitably. On June 10, 2026, at Billboard Canada Power Players at NXNE, the CEO of Music Publishers Canada will receive a prestigious honour for her important advocacy work — the Impact Award.
McGuffin will become the third recipient of the award in Canada, following philanthropist Gary Slaight in 2024 and October’s Very Own CEO/Remix Project co-founder Derek “Drex” Jancar in 2025.
“I am truly honoured to receive this recognition from Billboard Canada,” McGuffin says. “Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working alongside an extraordinary community of songwriters, composers, publishers and music industry leaders who understand that investing in creators is investing in the future of our culture, our communities and our economy. As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, it is more important than ever that we champion the people behind the music and ensure their voices, rights and contributions are respected.
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“I share this recognition with our members, board, partners, and the broader music community whose passion, collaboration, and commitment continue to inspire me every single day.”
In her work at Music Publishers Canada, McGuffin works tirelessly to advocate for the publishing sector. That sector is responsible for countless songs heard across streaming platforms, social media, film, television and games. It’s quietly one of the biggest export opportunities for Canadian music. Currently, 82% of the revenue for Canadian independent music publishers comes from foreign sources. That was just 28% two decades ago. It’s an increasingly lucrative market for many songwriters and creators.
McGuffin uses her platform to educate, support and speak up for Canadian creators. That means making sure they are able to be properly compensated and credited for their work. In the age of AI, that’s an increasingly important conversation.
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Her work has taken her to the House of Commons and the National Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Culture, where she spoke to Canadian politicians and stakeholders to make sure policy reflects the value of Canadian artists’ contributions. That means no text and data mining exception to the law, which would allow AI companies to scrape copyrighted music without consent or licensing fees. It’s very simple, she has argued. If we follow Canadian copyright law, we can ensure creators are fairly compensated without abandoning the potential of AI to create opportunity.
Beyond AI, McGuffin has ensured that Music Publishers Canada also fosters the next generation of Canadians and builds space for underrepresented voices.
The NXTGen program offers space for future music publishing leaders to learn new skills, network and build community. The Women in the Studio National Accelerator aims to close the gender gap in the music studio and provide women and non-binary producer/songwriters with opportunities for skills development and mentorship that they may not otherwise be able to access. The program has helped 48 graduates over seven years, and is currently supporting its eighth cohort of six producer-songwriters.
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Alongside the Women In Music Canada non-profit organization, McGuffin and MPC have also released a national study focusing on the needs of caregivers in the Canadian music industry. Recognizing the need for resources to address gaps, McGuffin called it “an important call to action to work together.” It’s one of many ways she is ensuring the music industry is a fair, equitable and supportive place for everyone.
Margaret McGuffin will accept the Impact Award alongside the most important leaders of the music industry at Billboard Canada Power Players on June 10, 2026, at Rebel in Toronto at NXNE.
