Distort Entertainment was founded in 2002 by hardcore music veterans Greg Below and Mitch Joel, taking its name from Below's own Distort Productions company. According to Joel in an interview with Metal-Rules, the label doesn't sign specific genres: "No genre. We're looking for heavy. What's next in heavy music?" The label has released albums by Alexisonfire, Cancer Bats and The Bronx. They have a distribution partnership with EMI Music Canada.
Anthem Records, originally known as Moon Records, is an independent record label founded by Ray Danniels and Vic Wilson in 1977. Based in Toronto, Ontario, the label was founded as a means for Rush to release its debut album. It takes its name from Ayn Rand's book, "Anthem." According to Rush drummer Neal Peart: "When we started no record company would touch us, and the only way we could get a record released was by putting it out ourselves on an independent label." They have released music by other artists, including Max Webster, Ian Thomas and Liverpool.
Nettwerk Records is a Vancouver-based record label and part of the larger Nettwerk Music Group umbrella founded by CEO Terry McBride in 1984. Nettwerk is the home of artists like Sara Mclachlan, Old Crow Medicine Show and The Weepies. According to Nettwerk's website, it is "a non-traditional record label for the non-traditional artist."
The Sonic Unyon Recording Company is based in Hamilton, Ontario. Founded in 1993 by members of the band Tristan Psionic, Sonic Unyon started out as a label to release music by local artists. According to the label's website: "the company's mandate has been to foster awareness of undiscovered musical talent while offering artists a chance to become successful." Since its inception, Sonic Unyon has released albums for indie rock bands like Frank Black and the Catholics, Death Cab for Cutie and The Jesus Lizard.
Toronto, Ontario-based Alma Records was founded by Peter Cardinali in 1992 to help artists overlooked by the mainstream music industry. Cardinali chose the name Alma because it means soul: "Without it there is no artist—Without it there is no label." Alma Records has released music by artists like Division Kent, Mike Ruby and the Boomers.