Career
In 1969, Finkelstein founded True North Records. He managed The Paupers from 1966–1967 and Kensington Market from 1967-1969. The first artist signed to True North Records in 1969 was Bruce Cockburn.
By the time Finkelstein sold True North the label had released over 550 albums, including records from such Canadian notables as Rough Trade, Randy Bachman, The Rheostatics, Lynn Miles, Cowboy Junkies, Colin Linden, Catherine MacLellan, Tom Wilson, Moxy Fruvous, and Lighthouse among others
True North continued to also release records for acts that Finkelstein managed including Blackie & The Rodeo Kings, Murray McLauchlan, Stephen Fearing Barney Bentall and Bruce Cockburn. In December 2007, True North was acquired by an investment group led by Linus Entertainment.
Finkelstein remained as chairman and long-term consultant. He continued as Cockburn"s manager and also managed The Golden Dogs.
Until 2011, Bernie was the Chairman of MUCHFACT for 26 years, an organization he co-founded with Moses Znaimer in 1984 when it was known as VideoFACT. Bernie was inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame in 2003.
On April 16, 2012, Finkelstein"s autobiography, "True North: A Life Inside The Music Business" was published. On October 10, 2012, he received an Honorary Degree from York University in Toronto. The degree was a Doctor of Letters.