Describe your background and industry experience, and explain how it will help you contribute to the SOCAN Board of Directors?
Laurence Lafond-Beaulne is a Canadian multi-instrumentalist, author, composer, performer and producer. She is a member of electro-pop duo Milk&Bone, winner of a JUNO award, a Félix award and was nominated twice for the Polaris Prize as well as a Canadian Screen Award (among others). Laurence has scored several films and documentaries, video games as well as two Cirque du Soleil shows. Her voice can be heard on albums by Alex Nevsky, Philippe B, Karim Ouellet, Coeur de Pirate and she has several co-writing credits. After three albums and an EP with her Milk&Bone, she is currently working on her first solo project titled Soft Fabric. She is produced her first EP entirely on her own, from composition to sound mixing, with the aim, among other things, of acting as a positive role model for the women of the next generations in music.
Being an environmental advocate and activist artist, she co-founded ACT (Artist Citizen on Tours), a non-profit organization promoting sustainable practices in the entertainment industry. 
Laurence has observed and experienced several realities specific to the music industry as a creator, but also as a businesswoman. With a decade of professional experience in music, she understands the subtleties and differences of the French and English Canadian music industries. 
After a year on SOCAN’s Board of Directors, she wishes to continue uniting her voice with those of others to carry important messages, defending members’ interests with respect, open-mindedness and courage. She also wants to give a voice to the most marginalized artists, help shine a light on local creators and reinforce the value of art in our communities.   
In your opinion, what issues will be most important to SOCAN members over the next three years?
Over the next three years, we’ll be waging a major battle to stop the work of Canadian creators from being exploited. It will be important for SOCAN to continue demanding a modernisation of copyright legislation with its allies (all the more so with the advent of artificial intelligence). A better protection of copyright is urgent for the long-term subsistence of creators. We need to protect artists from the ever-growing precariousness.
SOCAN will have to continue to stand out, innovate and defend the interests of its members with dedication. It must continue to secure its position as a leader in the global music industry. It is vital that it remains modern and competitive in the face of private management companies seeking international domination. SOCAN’s strength lies in the diversity and quality of its creators and the sheer volume of its membership. It must continue to promote its importance to its members and future members.
The musical landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. We need to shine lights on our local artists, support new generations and continue the work of better protecting intellectual property, so that we give back music the value it is due.
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