Guide Note

According to their official website, the Canadian Recording Industry Association is a trade organization created to "represent the interests of Canadian companies that create, manufacture and market sound recordings."

Fast Facts

1. Non-profit trade organization
2. Year established: 1964
3. Industry: Music, recording
4. Phone: (416) 967-7272
5. Fax: (416) 967-9415
6. HQ: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
7. President: Graham Henderson
8. Certifies Gold (50,000 units), Platinum (100,000), and Diamond (1,000,000) recordings
9. Governed by a board of directors chosen annually from the membership
10. Has taken legal action against Canadian Internet service providers to provide the names of alleged illegal file sharers

In 2006, six independent record companies (Anthem Records, Aquarius Records, the Children's Group, Linus Entertainment, Nettwerk Records, True North Records) left the CRIA after a dispute over policy changes. The labels felt the CRIA's policies weren't conducive to new independent artists trying to break into radio and the Canadian music scene.