The ECMAs are very useful for folk music because so much of the popular music coming out of Atlantic Canada is folk-based (think Natalie MacMaster, Great Big Sea, Irish Descendants, Rankin Family, etc.) Therefore, at the ECMAs folk music is much, much more prominent that at the Junos. It gives folk-based artists a lot of regional and a bit of national exposure, and it's a very open, inviting week of showcases and music to boot. I don't see a single downside to it.

BTW, here in the US we have lots of regional based music awards, too, like the Wammies for the DC area.