10:07:54 From Kate Unrau : “However, royalty payments received from work that took place before the period for which a person applies for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit do not count as income during that specific benefit period.”
10:08:41 From Kevin Barrett : I’m joining late. Will that letter Michael as just walked through be available later for a more careful read?
10:09:27 From Jamie Drake : @Kevin: that letter is on the TMA website, so it’s available to read later.
10:09:28 From Kevin Barrett : My understanding is also that Royalty Payments do NOT count. Nor does the TAC grant
10:09:39 From Kate Unrau : Under “Income Requirements” in the FAQ, the question “What counts towards the $1,000 in income I can earn?”
10:09:52 From Kate Unrau : The $1,000 includes employment and/or self-employment income. This includes among others: tips you may earn while working; non-eligible dividends; honoraria (e.g., nominal amounts paid to emergency service volunteers); and royalties (e.g., paid to artists).
However, royalty payments received from work that took place before the period for which a person applies for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit do not count as income during that specific benefit period.
Pensions, student loans and bursaries are not employment income and therefore, should not be included in the $1000.
Applications will be verified against tax records to confirm income.
10:10:38 From Kevin Barrett : The Toronto Arts Council tells you, when you get the grant notification, that it doesn’t count toward the $1000 limit.
10:14:02 From Michele Jacot : Is the income pre or post expenses?
10:15:49 From Michael McClennan : CRA site says “Pre-tax”
10:15:53 From Brandon Chui : I have word from my accountant who said she spoke director to a CRA agent:
1. Is the $1,000 gross or net income: It is gross income.
10:15:55 From Kate Unrau : On the FAQ:
10:15:56 From Kate Unrau : Can someone qualify for CERB if they still have a small amount of income coming into their business account as a sole proprietor to pay some of their business expenses (commercial rent, utility costs, etc.) as long as they are not paying themselves any income from the business?
Yes. To be eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, you must have stopped working as a result of reasons related to COVID-19 and receive less than $1,000 in employment or self-employment income for at least 14 consecutive days within the initial four-week period for which you apply. For subsequent periods, you cannot receive more than $1,000 in employment or self-employment income for the entire four-week period.
10:22:30 From Norman Engel : Music and Sports will not likely resume in the fall according to Media reports and the Premier
10:22:49 From Jay Boehmer To Michael Murray(privately) : YouTube video provided by Chris Birkett is a video of him performing an original song related to Earth Day. (Recently uploaded.)
10:22:50 From Michael Murray : Maggie’s Contact mhopkins@tma149.ca
10:23:19 From Scott Harrison To Michael Murray(privately) : The video linked by Chris is a recording of a song [more of a ‘message’, not substantive]
10:23:46 From Chris Birkett : I was talking to Adam Vaughn last night. Apparently there is a limit to funds from the government. So I suggest that we claim a.s.a.p.
10:24:42 From bethanybergman To Michael Murray(privately) : Did you address earning up to 1000 but still be eligible for the whole 2000 CERB
10:25:22 From brian : More specifics about rates for streamed concerts and contracts, thanks!
10:25:28 From Ray Dillard To Michael Murray(privately) : no evidence
10:27:21 From Mic Dim : What about streamed Concerts for Top 40 acts or even tribute acts?
10:27:32 From Scott Harrison To Michael Murray(privately) : I think we lost your audio for a moment there
10:27:58 From Kate Unrau : yes
10:28:00 From Chris Birkett : Yes
10:28:03 From Norman Engel : yes
10:28:10 From Norman Engel : yes
10:29:11 From Norman Engel : sound is cutting out again
10:29:29 From Ray Dillard To Michael Murray(privately) : loosing your audio somewhat Michael
10:29:31 From Mic Dim : Sound is muffled and cutting out
10:29:39 From Scott Harrison To Michael Murray(privately) : Conifrmed – audio is sketchy
10:29:54 From Chris Birkett : Where’s the sound engineer :)
10:29:56 From Ray Dillard To Michael Murray(privately) : bandwidth issue I think when you screen share.
10:29:56 From Mic Dim : Cant’ understand what you’re saying
10:29:58 From Norman Engel To Michael Murray(privately) : sound is cutting out
10:30:03 From Kate Unrau : You’re back!
10:30:04 From Mic Dim : OK again
10:30:05 From Jamie Drake : and it’s back
10:30:08 From Ray Dillard To Michael Murray(privately) : better
10:30:33 From Chris Birkett : Could you post all the links on this feed ?
10:31:27 From Michael Murray : https://tma149.ca/2016-01-26-02-37-54/contracts/152-limited-pressing-small-scale-sound-recording-agreement-and-letter-of-adherence-1/file
10:31:40 From Michael Murray : https://tma149.ca/2016-01-26-02-37-54/contracts/148-05-federation-canadian-sound-recording-rates-summary-chart-2017-2019-rev-11-27-18/file
10:32:45 From Kate Unrau : The CRA FAQ has literally been updated during the course of this meeting. Clarity around pre-tax/gross/net income, quoted from FAQ: “Small Business owners can receive income from their business in different ways, including as salary, business income or dividends. In determining their eligibility for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit:
Owners who take a salary from their business should consider their pre-tax salary;
Owners who rely on business income should consider their net pre-tax income (gross income less expenses);
Owners who rely on dividend income should consider this as self-employment income provided it comes from non –eligible dividends (generally, those paid out of corporate income taxed at the small business rate).”
10:33:14 From Chris Birkett : How do we save this chat feed ?
10:34:32 From Kate Unrau : I think the info you provided earlier was correct: If you draw salary, it’s pre-tax salary. If you rely on income, it’s net pre-tax income (gross less expenses).
10:34:42 From Norman Marshall Villeneuve : you can copy and paste any portion of the chat feed to a txt document
10:35:07 From Rosina Kazi : but private message are Also saved
10:35:14 From Ray Dillard To Michael Murray(privately) : it does look the same for us
10:35:26 From Rosina Kazi : all of it so just saying
10:35:35 From Ray Dillard To Michael Murray(privately) : only your private messages are saved when YOU save the Chat
10:35:37 From Rosina Kazi : Don’t talk shit basically
10:35:58 From Scott Harrison : Please let me reiterate that TMA staff is happy to help members with their contracts (be they media or other)
10:36:07 From Mic Dim : The contract link comes up N/A
10:38:10 From Ray Dillard To Michael Murray(privately) : IF YOU LIKE: Please announce that the TMA is constantly analyzing our budget, updating it as appropriate, and looking forward to the situation as it changes. The Exec and Board feel we are in a solid position going forward, and our recent meetings with our accountants confirm this.
10:38:20 From Mic Dim : So who can do Live Streaming
10:39:26 From Mic Dim : If band is doing other peoples music
10:40:58 From Rosina Kazi : this may have been covered but are Facebook and Instagram paying these licenses?
10:41:17 From Rosina Kazi : They are making so much money
10:42:14 From Corey Gemmell : Does a small number of musicians, ie a small chamber group such as a duo or trio, getting together to perform and live stream constitute violating the government’s social distancing regulations? Wouldn’t want to go against that.
10:44:39 From Norman Engel : time to play duets at 3 metres!
10:44:45 From Norman Marshall Villeneuve To Michael Murray(privately) : Mike, Norman Marshall Villeneuve here. I have to leave the meeting. Maybe the TMA could send the chat to all members by email? Just an idea.
Thanks for the opportunity to meet. Nice to see old friends.
Please stay safe. Love and peace to all. Norm
10:45:07 From Ellen Moore : Funds still available (non-music related) for parents with kids grade 7 and under in the public school system. The previous teacher strike days will be compensated to parents at rates of $25-60/strike day, plus a $200 top-up per child. Applications close four weeks after the agreement is signed, so time will run out.
https://www.iaccess.gov.on.ca/ParentAppWeb/parentapp/index.xhtml10:46:17 From Michael McClennan : Would an engager be allowed defer gig cancelation payments (to the fall?) so as not to mess up a performer’s CERB status?
10:46:59 From bethanybergman To Michael Murray(privately) : bye, have to go teach
10:47:17 From Patrick Jordan : If we live stream and the engager sells access in excess of 1,000 tickets, would that push us to a different agreement from the limited pressing rate?
10:47:54 From lodewijkvos To Michael Murray(privately) : Do we have to re-apply to CERB or will we get it automatically next month
10:48:12 From Ray Dillard : reapply
10:48:15 From moonwatt : you have to reapply.
10:48:18 From Ray Dillard : Each month
10:48:21 From Mic Dim : Only apply every 4 weeks
10:48:31 From Ray Dillard : and only on your specific day
10:48:36 From Ray Dillard : or Fri Sat Sun
10:48:37 From Mic Dim : reapply up to 16 weeks
10:48:42 From moonwatt : correct. birth month.
10:48:46 From Ray Dillard : birth month
10:49:30 From Norman Engel : all the info for applying is on the My Account website through CRA
10:49:52 From brian : I’ve lost income from gigs that were booked so fit the CERB definition, but my major income is teaching university, where I pay EI; have not been able to get a clear answer as to which to apply for?
10:50:02 From Hans J F Preuss : we are in the second period already, so if you applied for the first period you should be reapplying now and then at the start of each subsequent period
10:50:07 From Chris Birkett : How much do we charge for virtual overdubs
10:50:16 From Rosina Kazi : I have to go! But thank you!
10:51:47 From Mic Dim : Everyone should know you need an account sign up at CRA to get CERB https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/cra-login-services.html
10:51:48 From chrismckhool : Is there any simple boiler plate contractual cancellation language you recommend?
10:51:58 From Scott Harrison : From member: May minors (who would have toured as part of an act) apply for CERB?
10:52:21 From Ray Dillard : If you don’t have access to your CRA account, you can apply via telephone for the CERB.
10:52:36 From Mic Dim : Oh yes Thanks
10:53:32 From brian : Re EI or CERB, you can’t get through to anyone in Gov’t. The EI application is a lot longer. Yes, my university contract ends April and I’ll still be doing some virtual teaching, and I suppose, the advantage of me applying through EI is that allows room for me to make more than 1k per month if I can swing that?
10:54:43 From Michael Murray : Written offers, including offers by email, shall be provided to musicians no later than ninety days prior to the first rehearsal for a production and shall include all proposed fees, dates and hours of engagement. Offers shall not be rescinded unless the musician does not reply within five business days of the offer. In the case that the musician absents themselves for an emergency and/or last minute replacement and/or change in performer due to exceptional circumstances, the offer shall be sent as soon as practical. Any replacement of a musician where the musician does not absent themselves but where Engager replaces the musician shall be compensated for two appropriate.
10:55:04 From Ray Dillard : Brian, I believe EI comes before CERB when you are in the EI system, but CERB becomes available IF you run out of your EI coverage.
10:55:05 From Michael Murray : Date of notice of cancellation = $
10:55:44 From Michael Murray : Deposit upon signing of contract and if cancelled at any time keep the deposit
10:56:06 From Mic Dim : What about Force Majeure? Seems everyone is claiming that
10:57:08 From Ray Dillard : There is also no one single Force Majeure clause!!
10:57:23 From Ray Dillard : They are each unique.
10:58:14 From brian : thanks Ray, and I believe it will be the same amount for this period anyhow (2k) unless you’re earning something; theoretically, EI could pay less even though many of us pay into it.
10:58:50 From Ray Dillard : Brian, I presume that is true. I think EI is relative to each indivi
10:58:57 From Ray Dillard : individual contract.
10:59:13 From Kate Unrau : CERB minimum age = 15
10:59:39 From Jamie Drake : As I understand it, the general CRA advice has been that if you’re not sure, you should just apply to CERB.
11:00:01 From Ray Dillard : At this time, I believe the CERB is only available for four months.
11:00:31 From Ray Dillard : Correct, but there might be MANY periods open.
11:02:41 From Ray Dillard : Thanks Michael!!!!
11:03:02 From Kate Unrau : Thanks for all your time and efforts, Michael.
11:03:05 From chrismckhool : thanks!
11:03:09 From Jamie Drake : Thanks to you Michael and all the TMA staff (and various members who’ve added great info)!
11:03:26 From brian : thanks Michael, Brian Katz
11:03:37 From laurafernandez : thank you so much for this!
11:04:05 From Chris Birkett : Good Bye everyone. Stay safe and well. Btw, the chat feed can be saved with the little 3 dot button to the write of the chat box. Chris Birkett
11:04:09 From Mic Dim : Thanks Michael! Much appreciated for everyone time input!
11:04:26 From moonwatt : thanks, Michael, & all TMA staff! Shelley
11:04:33 From Patrick Jordan : Thanks Michael, and everyone else.
11:04:37 From Mic Dim : does saving chat save all the chat even after it’s been pressed?
11:04:58 From lbart’s iPad : thanks for the updates , Michael ,, appreciated
11:05:04 From Mic Dim : Oh that’s wonderful! Thanks!
11:05:05 From Norman Engel : thanks Michael
Special Guest Speaker – “Generating Copyright Royalties for Musicians”
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER
“Generating Copyright Royalties for Musicians”
Julia Train
Senior Manager, Communications and Outreach
Musicians’ Rights Organization Canada (MROC)
Friday, October 27, 12:00-1:00 p.m. (immediately following the General Meeting)
Toronto Public Library – North Toronto Branch
40 Orchard View Blvd (Yonge & Eglinton)
(TTC: Eglinton)
CFM Supports Pharmacare: A Plan for Everyone
Please see the following to support a national pharmacare plan for all Canadians.
TMA149 Welcomes Erik Ryken as Membership & Contracts Coordinator
Beginning November 27 you may contact Erik for membership renewals and other membership questions and Rebecca for contracting questions in regards to Theatre and Commercial Announcements (Jingles). In addition Erik will be helping develop content and methods for member events and communications on web, through the newsletter and wherever we talk with members about our work.
Rebecca Sinnaeve, Membership & Contracts Coordinator
Theatre and Commercial Announcements
416-421-1020
rsinnaeve@tma149.ca
Erik Ryken, Membership & Contracts Coordinator
Membership Renewals, Sign-Up and Communications
416-421-1020
eryken@tma149.ca
TMA149 Congratulates Members Jane Bunnett and Daniel Caesar for Grammy Nominations
http://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/cdns-grammy-nominations-1.4422596
Special Guest Speaker – “Introduction to Unison Benevolent Fund”
“Introduction to Unison Benevolent Fund, counselling and emergency financial assistance to members of the Canadian music industry”
Amanda Power
Executive Director
Unison Benevolent Fund
Friday, February 23, 2018 12:30-1:30 p.m. (immediately following the General Meeting)
Toronto Public Library – Sanderson Branch
327 Bathurst St (Bathurst & Dundas)
TTC: Bathurst Station + 511 Streetcar Southbound OR St. Patrick Station + 505 Streetcar Westbound
TMA Participates in Live Performing Arts Anti-harassment Roundtable
Canadian Live Performing Arts Representatives Anti-harassment Roundtable
NEWS PROVIDED BY
Canadian Actors’ Equity Association
Jan 17, 2018, 20:22 ET
Federal Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly opened today’s meeting, thanking the performing arts community for its work on anti-harassment issues and for being a leader in cultural change.
Meeting participants agreed to the following public statement.
We commit to a performing arts industry that is safe and respectful. We recognize that increasing equity for marginalized and disenfranchised communities within the sector is an essential part of the solution.
We established working groups today to:
The live performance sector is committed to finding ways to work collectively and with purpose to find solutions. Communication with those who work in and with our sector is essential. We will provide updates on our activities as they become available.
Organizations in attendance at today’s meeting include:
Arts Club Theatre
IATSE
Associated Designers of Canada
IATSE 58
L’Association des théâtres francophones du Canada
National Ballet of Canada
Canadian Actors’ Equity Association (Equity)
Playwrights Guild of Canada
Canadian Alliance of Dance Artists
Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT)
Canadian Arts Presenting Association/ l’Association canadienne des organismes artistiques
Shaw Festival
Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals
Tapestry Opera
Canadian Dance Assembly
The AFC
Canadian Federation of Musicians
Theatre Ontario
CITT/ICTS
Toronto Musicians’ Association
Dancer Transition Resource Centre
Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts
— We encourage other organizations to sign on to this sectoral initiative.—
SOURCE Canadian Actors’ Equity Association
Related Links
http://www.caea.com
Organization Profile
Canadian Actors’ Equity Association
In Memoriam: Johnny Cowell – Now with Memorial Information
Johnny Cowell Memorial
Scarborough Bluffs United Church in the sanctuary on March 12, 2018 , at:
3739 Kingston Rd, Scarborough, ON M1J 3H4 – Kingston Rd @ Scarborough Golf Club Rd.
View Map
Ceremony is from 7:30 – 8:30.
There will be a social time with light refreshments after the ceremony.
The large parking lot can be accessed from behind the church by going east of Scarborough Golf Club Rd., turn right at the next street, Guildcrest Rd. At the stop sign turn right onto Crestwood Dr. which takes you behind the church to the parking lot.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke foundation would be appreciated by the family.
If so desired, online condolences may be made at www.oneillfuneral.ca. For full obituary please see https://necrocanada.com/obituaries-2018/johnny-cowell-2018/#.WmuDP6inGUk.
Affiliate Composer Application (TSO Job Offer)
TORONTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Sir Andrew Davis, Interim Music Director
APPLICATION INFORMATION:
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) is inviting applications for the position of Affiliate Composer, to begin during the 2018-19 season. The Affiliate Composer will work closely with Interim Music Director Sir Andrew Davis, TSO Composer Advisor Gary Kulesha, the artistic staff, and the musicians of the TSO. This two-year position includes opportunities to write works for the full orchestra, to interact with international visiting composers and to participate in the TSO’s extensive education programs. Critical training in program planning, orchestra operations, marketing, public relations, education, and development activities will be provided to the Affiliate Composer to enhance understanding of a professional orchestra. The Affiliate Composer will also have a role in promoting and representing the work of the TSO. In addition to involvement with the selection and programming of contemporary music, the Affiliate Composer will also have a role in promoting and advocating for the creation and performance of Canadian and contemporary music. While no age requirement is mandated, it is expected that this position will be filled by an emerging composer who has already demonstrated substantial accomplishment in the Canadian orchestral world.
For detailed information and history of the TSO visit: https://www.tso.ca/orchestra
QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:
HOW TO APPLY:
Visit https://www.tso.ca/AffiliateComposer to submit your application.
Applications must include:
*All written application materials must be submitted in one single file. Only PDF documents will be accepted.
NOTE: The search committee will receive all applications for the position in confidence.
Audition process:
TERMS:
TMA149 Congratulates & Thanks Daniel Broome, Outgoing Senior Business Representative
“Dan is an exceptional Music Professional with keen insights into the industry and the best kind of values working for the musicians and creator that fuel the music community. He will be missed greatly at TMA and we wish him the best in his new areas of focus. We look forward to any chance we may have at working together again, and I want to personally thank him for being such a great support during my tenure at TMA”. Michael Murray, Executive Director
Those who want to reach out to Dan may do so through his personal email daniel.albert.broome@gmail.com, and although he may not be able get back to you right away he will endeavour to connect with everyone who sends him a message in the coming weeks and months. Dan thanks everyone for the well wishes he has received already.
Prior to TMA engaging other business representatives, in the interim, please be in touch with any of TMA149’s Membership & Contract Coordinators for contracting inquiries, and Michael Murray, Executive Director, for collective negotiation and contract defence inquiries. Contact information may be found on Contacts page.
TMA149 is Looking for Business Representatives – Member & Non-Member Musicians
Please Apply
TMA149 is looking for Business Representatives and Organizers to help further its mission to improve the socio-economic conditions of all musicians, digital music makers, arrangers and orchestrators in our Local. We are especially interested in practicing musicians and music professionals who can fill this role on a part-time basis to complement their professional practice.
TMA and TMA Building Corp AGM’s May 25 11-12:30
Annual General Meeting (TMA and TMA Building Corp)
NOTE CHANGE IN LOCATION FROM PRINTED CRESCENDO
Friday May 25, 2018
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
TMA Office Building, A1 Auditorium, First Floor
15 Gervais Dr, Toronto, ON
Ample parking at location, payment required at machine
TTC: 25 and 185 buses (Pape Station) or 34 Eglinton East Bus (Eglinton Station)
Lunch & $20 per member for parking or other expenses will be provided
VOTE !: Message to Members Regarding the Ontario Provincial Election
Letter to Mayor John Tory re: IATSE Lockout at Exhibition Place
TMA149 Advisory to Members regarding 2018 Ex
Kristofer Maddigan – 2017 Member of the Year
“Definitely not. This is way out of my comfort zone.”
Cuphead received many nominations for its score, including most recently being named Best Music at the BAFTA Games Awards. But there’s no doubt that it’s more than a typical game soundtrack; it was released as a deluxe four-LP vinyl box set, spent thirteen weeks on the Billboard Jazz charts, and received a Juno nomination for Instrumental Album of the Year.
Visually, Cuphead is inspired by cartoons of the 1930’s, and the score echoes the same era. Its Ellington and Joplin-inspired tracks feature some of Canada’s top jazz musicians – a total of 42 musicians performed on the soundtrack, including featured soloists John Johnson, Alex Dean, Mike Murley, Steve McDade, and Al Kay. Kris credits the assistance of John Herberman, saying, “He taught me everything I know,” and says of game developers Chad and Jared Moldenhauer, “It was they who quit their jobs and remortgaged their homes to finance the making of the game, and it was also they who shared (importantly) paid for our dream of hiring real musicians.”
The Toronto Musicians’ Association salutes Kris for his remarkable accomplishments and is delighted to name him our Musician of the Year for 2017.
Lawrence Cherney – 2017 Life Achievement Award
It has been his destiny to be a pioneer in Canadian music: charter member of the National Arts Centre Orchestra (1969-72); Founding Member of the York Winds (1972-82); Founding Artistic Director of the summer festival Music at Sharon (1981-1994);and Founding Artistic Director of Soundstreams (1982-present).
He has commissioned over 150 new Canadian works for the oboe, and has collaborated with most of contemporary music’s giants. He has toured throughout North America, Europe, and Israel as recitalist and guest artist with major orchestras and string quartets, and has recorded for numerous labels and European radio networks, gathering five Juno nominations and prizes at the European Broadcasting Union. In 2003, he was invested in the Order of Canada.
Lawrence’s passion for excellence in the pursuit of Canadian music inspired him to expand his horizons beyond performing. Music at Sharon was renowned as a showcase for Canadian music and was the most broadcast festival in the country on CBC Radio 2. Under his leadership, Soundstreams has grown to become one of the most dynamic organizations of its kind in the world, ans has commissioned 170 new Canadian works in all genres. It produces an eclectic MainStage series, the Ear Candy series in more intimate venues, and a new monthly outreach/performance series, Encounters. The organization has a state-of-the-art web platform, including its innovative SoundMakers project. The annual Emerging Composers Workshop provides high quality mentorship to gifted young composers.
Lawrence has forged bold new directions in this, SoundStreams’ 35th anniversary season. The organization recently gave the world premiere staging of Claude Vivier’s Musik fur das Ende. Attended by thirteen international artistic directors, it received a rave full-page review from The New York Times. Tours to major venues and festivals in the USA and Europe are now projected for 2019, 2020, and 2021.
Canada continues to produce some of the finest composers in the world, but they merit greater recognition at home and abroad. Lawrence Cherney has dedicated an entire career to providing a national and international platform for their talents as means of creating a lasting legacy for their work. For these efforts, and for his lasting impact on musical life in Toronto and across the country, the Toronto Musicians’ Association is proud to present Lawrence Cherney with its Lifetime Achievement Award.
Orchestrating & Arranging Workshop – Saturday October 13 (10:00 AM – 12:30 PM)
TMA149 October 2018 General Meeting
TMA149 General Meeting
Friday October 26, 2018
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
TMA Offices, A1 Auditorium, First Floor
15 Gervais Dr, Toronto, ON
Ample parking at location, payment required at machine
TTC: 25 and 185 buses (Pape Station) or 34 Eglinton East Bus (Eglinton Station)
Lunch provided and $20 per member (to offset parking or other expenses)
TMA General Meeting & TMA Building Corporation Special Meeting – December 14, 2018 – Northern District Library
TMA General Meeting
Lunch provided and $20 per member (to offset parking or other expenses)
Agenda
Friday February 22, 2019 – 11:00 AM
TMA Office Auditorium – 15 Gervais Dr
Nominations Open for 2018 TMA Member of the Year & Lifetime Achievement Award
Readthecode.ca – TMA149 Signs on to the Creative Industries Code of Conduct
TMA149 joins 42 Canadian music community groups making a commitment to foster safe and respectful workspaces.
Coalition of Canadian music organizations sign Canadian Creative Industries Code of Conduct, announce training & education resources will be available through Unison Benevolent Fund.
March 16, 2019, London, ON: A coalition of Canadian music community groups has joined in solidarity and is working towards environments free of harassment, discrimination, violence, and bullying for the music community.
Today the coalition announced that 42 music groups have formally signed on to the Canadian Creative Industries Code of Conduct. By signing on to the Code, the organizations are acknowledging their responsibility to build safe, respectful workplaces, and are committing to improving and implementing policies to keep the music community safe.
As a first step, members of the coalition have formed an Education, Training and Safe Support Committee, which is working to provide each member of the Canadian music community with the appropriate resources and training to identify, confront and prevent harassment, bullying and violence in any workplace. Unison Benevolent Fund has volunteered to host a suite of educational and training resources through its website at no cost. These resources will be made available to the music community at a later date.
Today’s announcement was made at Allies in Action, an event focused on initiatives undertaken or underway to create safer spaces as the Canadian music community gathers in London, Ontario for the 2019 JUNO Awards.
Because of the uniqueness of the music business and the spaces in which musicians and music workers often operate, the coalition has added the following music-specific preamble to the existing Canadian Creative Industries Code of Conduct:
“We, the Canadian music community signatories, support the Canadian Creative Industries Code of Conduct. We recognize that in the music industry, the terms work, workplace and work-related, are extremely broad and can include any physical or virtual spaces at any time.”
You can read the full Canadian Creative Industries Code of Conduct at www.ReadTheCode.ca
Additional organizations that would like to sign on to the Code can register online. Once the form has been completed, new signatories should email a high resolution company logo to info@readthecode.ca with your organization’s name and “Becoming Code signatory” in the subject line.
Music industry groups that have signed on to the Canadian Creative Industries Code of Conduct are:
TMA and TMA Building Corp General Meetings – Friday May 31, 2019 – 11:00 AM – TMA Office Auditorium – 15 Gervais Dr
2019 TMA149 Lifetime Achievement Award – Bernie Senensky
Bernie Senesky
With a successful career spanning 50 years, it is not possible to capture everything Bernie has done. Nonetheless, the following will serve to convey some of the highlights of his illustrious and ongoing career.
PERFORMANCES
Touring
Freelancing
Saxophonists/Clarinetists: Art Pepper, Buddy DeFranco, Phil Woods, Al Cohn, Zoot Sims, Sonny Stitt, Ravi Coltrane, Scott Hamilton, Pepper Adams, James Moody, Don Menza, Johnny Griffin, Frank Morgan, George Coleman, Eric Alexander, Nick Brignola, Pharoah Sanders, Gary Bartz, Clifford Jordan, Chris Potter, Lew Tabackin, Dave Liebman, Bobby Watson, Miguel Zenon, Sonny Fortune, Junior Cook, Harry Allen, Donald Harrison, Charles McPherson, Dan Faulk, Bob Mover, John Tank, Eugene Amaro, Mike Murley, Kirk McDonald, Pat LaBarbera, P. J. Perry, Alex Dean, Phil Dwyer, Bob Brough, Shawn Nykwist, Perry White, Jake, Koffman, Grant Stewart, Ryan Oliver
Trumpeters: Dizzy Gillespie, Art Farmer, Chet Baker, Maynard Ferguson, Clark Terry, Guido Basso, Kenny Wheeler, Randy Brecker, Blue Mitchell, Red Rodney, Sam Noto, Terrence Blanchard, Lew Soloff, Tom Harrell, Warren Vache, Jack Sheldon, Eddie Henderson, Donald Byrd, Jon Faddis, Pete Candoli, Herb Spanier, Fred Stone, John Macleod, Brian O’Kane, Steve McDade, Dave Dunlop, Kevin Turcotte, Kevin Dean, Mike Malone, Brian Chahley
Trombonists: Rob McConnell, Slide Hampton, Al Grey, Bill Watrous, Wycliffe Gordon, Russ Little, Terry Promane, William Carn
Guitarists: Ed Bickert, Lenny Breau, Sonny Greenwich, Reg Schwager, Lorne Lofsky, Ted Quinlan, Rob Pilch, Peter Leitch, Cornell Dupree, Barney Kessel, Larry Coryell, Joe Pass, Herb Ellis, Bucky Pizzarelli, Joe Cohn, Tisziji Munoz, Jake Langley, Roddy Ellias, Lucian Gray, Ben Bishop, Nathan Hiltz, Andy Scott, Joey Goldstein
Bassists: Dave Young, Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen, Eugene Wright, Cecil McBee, Neil Swainson, Slam Stewart, Major Holley, Dennis Irwin, Ray Drummond, Keter Betts, Harvie Swartz, Rufus Reid, Eddie Gomez, Gene Perla, Todd Coolman, Don Pate, Michel Donato, Steve Wallace, Jim Vivian, Don Thompson, Kieran Overs, Joel Quarrington, Jodi Proznik, Andrew Downing, Pat Collins, Paul Novotny
Drummers: Art Blakey, Elvin Jones, Billy Cobham, Louis Bellson, Mel Lewis, Bob Moses, Marty Morell, Terry Clarke, Claude Ranger, Jerry Fuller, Don Alias, Rashied Ali, Jake Hanna, Marvin “Smitty” Smith, Joe Farnsworth, Akira Tana, Gerry Gibbs, Andre White, Brian Barlow, Norm Marshall Villeneuve, Barry Elmes, Morgan Childs, Barry Romberg, Ethan Ardelli, Archie Alleyne, Anthony Michelli
Vibists: Gary Burton, Terry Gibbs, Peter Appleyard, Don Thompson, Paul Hoffert, Stefan Bauer
Flutists: Moe Koffman, James Galway, Herbie Mann, Bill McBirnie
Violinists: Lenny Solomon, Drew Jureka, Lara St. John, Moshe Hammer
Vocalists: Joe Williams, Mark Murphy, Salome Bey, Abbey Lincoln, Sheila Jordan, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Anne-Marie Moss, Ernestine Anderson, Dakota Staton, Bobby Vinton, Charles Di Raimondo, Don Francks, Tommy Ambrose, Michael Dunston, John Alcorn, Arlene Smith, Aura Rully, Maureen Kennedy, Jocelyn Barth, Ori Dagan, Lynn MacDonald, Michele Mele, Gloria Loring, Ginette Reno, Catherine McKinnon, Laura Hubert, Heather Bambrick, Maxine Sullivan, Paula Shear,
Established Groups: Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, The Elvin Jones Quartet, The Maynard Ferguson Orchestra, The Moe Koffman Quintet, Rob McConnell & The Boss Brass, The Randy Brecker/Billy Cobham Quartet, The Herbie Mann/Al Grey All-Star Septet
Piano Duets: Oscar Peterson, Marian McPartland, Paul Hoffert, Robi Botos
OTHER PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
REACTIONS OF MUSICIANS & THE PRESS
DISCOGRAPHY
As Leader (complete)
As Sideman (partial)
AWARDS & HONOURS
A letter from Bill McBirnie regarding Bernie Senensky
Let me begin by saying, it is impossible to capture everything Bernie has done after an illustrious career spanning some 50 years. Suffice it to say, Bernie has never failed to distinguish himself, as well as the musicians he has played with, on both the national and international fronts. So it is easiest for me to confine myself to my own experience with Bernie.
When I first moved to Toronto in 1972, I would often be in the clubs where Bernie was a formidable and ubiquitous presence. I can still remember, vividly, the very first time I ever saw him which was at the Global Village accompanying vocalist, Salome Bey. I was completely knocked out, and he has been an inspiration to me ever since.
Of course, Bernie was Moe Koffman’s keyboard player for close to 20 years (and, once again, I am at pains to point out that this is merely one facet of his career). So I would hear both of them regularly at George’s Spaghetti House throughout the 70s (though I was nothing more than an adoring and anonymous fan).
In 2003, Bernie established the Moe Koffman Tribute Band, and I was shocked when he recruited me to serve as the flute player (which was certainly a privilege and, if truth be told, an intimidating one at that). Anyway, when people started to ask me what it was like for me to play with Bernie, I would say, “Well, the first thing I learned is I that have to be able to play fast; the second thing I learned is that I have to be able to play even faster; and the third thing I learned is that I have to be able to play even faster yet!”
All kidding aside, being in the Moe Koffman Tribute Band gave rise to my working with Bernie in other situations, and then segued into recording with him. In fact, Bernie has graced three of my own albums (Paco Paco and The Silent Wish on piano, and Find Your Place on the Hammond B3). In each instance, he succeeded in making me sound a whole lot better than I did before. (…You can read that sentence again, if you like…)
Anyway, after so many years of working with Bernie, he never ceases to amaze me because, so often on a gig, he comes up with things I’ve never heard him play before.
Of course, Bernie and I have performed many of his compositions as well, amongst which is “Paco Paco” (a perennial favourite, not to mention a perennial challenge). Once when I was leader on the gig, I asked Bernie on stage where he got the name, Paco Paco”. Both the audience and I were surprised to learn that he actually wrote it for the son of drummer Marty Morrell (whose name is Paco) and that, because the tune was originally written for two flutes, Bernie decided to call it…“Paco Paco”…He then proceeded to regale us with Moe’s conviction that, “Bernie wrote this tune for the day when musicians would get paid by the note!”
This is but a small—and quite personal—fragment of Bernie’s career. However, it should serve to underscore what I think everyone will agree is a well-deserved, fitting—and perhaps even long overdue—honour.
Bill McBirnie
2019 TMA149 Lifetime Achievement Award – Russell Hartenberger
Russell Hartenberger; Percussionist, Composer, Educator From Russell: “I moved to Toronto in 1974 and joined the TMA in my first few weeks in town. I first joined the AFofM as a member of the Oklahoma City local in 1960. Subsequently, I was a member of AFofM locals in Philadelphia, New Haven and New York City. We [NEXUS] certainly could not have survived without the understanding and support of the Toronto Musicians’ Association who, from the inception of the group, recognized the importance of the ensemble and paved the way for our recognition as a significant Canadian cultural organization”
2018 TMA149 Musician of the Year – Larnell Lewis
Join together for the 2019 Labour Day Parade – Monday September 2, 2019 @ 9:30 AM
Come join with fellow musicians and workers in the
2019 Labour Day Parade
September 2, 2019 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Meet at the Parade Launch @ 9:15 AM
Meet at Section 4 on University Ave between Queen and Armoury
Walking 4.4km – west along Queen St to Dufferin, then south to the Dufferin Gates of theEx where the parade disbands
Free Admission to the Ex for all who join, including partners, family & friends
Live TMA Member Marching Band
Free TMA Gear
A National Code of Conduct for the Performing Arts
TMA149 Executive Director Michael Adam Murray represented the CFM on the National Steering committee and TMA149 has signed onto the code.
The Cultural Human Resources Council’s Respectful Workplaces in the Arts (RWA) initiative releases a National Code of Conduct for the Performing Arts with a public launch at ArtsCourt on September 27, 2019.
Today under the banner of Respectful Workplaces in the Arts (RWA), the Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC) released a National Code of Conduct for the Performing Arts http://respectfulartsworkplaces.ca/code-of-conduct. This Code of Conduct has been in development since early 2018 with the participation of the performing arts community across the country. At the launch event, the Great Canadian Theatre Company, the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, the Ottawa Dance Directive and l’Association des théâtres francophones du Canada formally signed onto the Code, adding their names to the many dozens who have already signed, and inviting all performing arts organizations to do the same. For a full list of current signatories, please visit http://respectfulartsworkplaces.ca/code-of-conduct
The National Code of Conduct for the Performing Arts is a set of values, expectations and voluntary commitments developed by stakeholders in the performing arts. Each signatory is responsible for upholding its commitments under the Code. Each is encouraged to discuss it internally and embrace it as a foundational value document or adapt it to their own environments, to accompany and support their internal policies and legislated requirements relating to harassment.
In the words of CHRC Chair, Richard Hornsby: “CHRC is very proud to present this National Code of Conduct for the Performing Arts to Canadians, on behalf of the performing arts community across the country. We have led the process, but the words and spirit of this code are from the artists, cultural works and employers in the performing arts themselves. It has been a long process of consultation, write and rewrite, but the end result stands as a document to guide and inspire artists, cultural workers and employers throughout the performing arts – and perhaps to develop their own codes in their own organizations.
We are very grateful for the financial support of the Canada Council for the Arts and the Department of Canadian Heritage which has made this and the many other initiatives under the RWA banner possible.”
For a history of the development of the Code or to become a signatory the Code, see http://respectfulartsworkplaces.ca/coordinating-committee-and-working-groups)
For more information about Respectful Workplaces in the Arts , visit www.respectfulartsworkplaces.ca.
#RespectInAction
About the Cultural Human Resources Council
For more information about CHRC and its extensive programs, please visit our website www.culturalhrc.ca
U.S. Steps Up Enforcement of Foreign Artist Tax Withholding
FTM Arts Law is receiving an increasing number of reports from artists, managers, agents and presenters that the Internal Revenue Service is contacting presenters and venues where non-resident foreign artists are scheduled to perform and directing them to withhold 30% of the artists’ gross fee.
The IRS is sending out letters called Directed Withholding Letters (“DWLs”) and they have serious implications. Unless a foreign artist qualifies for an exemption from tax withholding, or enters into a Central Withholding Agreement (“CWA”) with the IRS, then 30% of the artist’s gross fee must be withheld. (Note that not all exemptions from taxation entitle an artist to an exemption from withholding!) Those who represent or present foreign artists in the U.S. and who continue to choose not to address tax issues are taking an enormous risk.
Why is this happening? How is this happening?
Read the full article here. (Blog has been removed)
December Events: General Meeting & Holiday Party
Notice of General Meeting
Friday December 13, 2019 General Meeting – 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Sanderson Library Meeting Room in the lower level of Toronto Public Library
Sanderson Branch, 327 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M5T 1J1 (Bathurst corner of Dundas).
The room is accessible by elevator.
Parking is available nearby at Toronto Western Hospital through the entrance off of Nassau St or at 53 Leonard Ave. Both lots are about a five minute walk to the library.
TTC Dundas Streetcar 505 from St. Patrick, Dundas West or Dundas Station, or Bathurst Streetcar 511 from Bathurst Station.
Refreshments will be served. $20 for attendees for parking or related expenses in attending the meeting.
Affiliate Composer Application (TSO Job Offer)
Affiliate Composer Application
TORONTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Sir Andrew Davis, Interim Music Director
APPLICATION INFORMATION:
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) is inviting applications for the position of Affiliate Composer, to begin during the 2018-19 season. The Affiliate Composer will work closely with Interim Music Director Sir Andrew Davis, TSO Composer Advisor Gary Kulesha, the artistic staff, and the musicians of the TSO. This two-year position includes opportunities to write works for the full orchestra, to interact with international visiting composers and to participate in the TSO’s extensive education programs. Critical training in program planning, orchestra operations, marketing, public relations, education, and development activities will be provided to the Affiliate Composer to enhance understanding of a professional orchestra. The Affiliate Composer will also have a role in promoting and representing the work of the TSO. In addition to involvement with the selection and programming of contemporary music, the Affiliate Composer will also have a role in promoting and advocating for the creation and performance of Canadian and contemporary music. While no age requirement is mandated, it is expected that this position will be filled by an emerging composer who has already demonstrated substantial accomplishment in the Canadian orchestral world.
For detailed information and history of the TSO visit: https://www.tso.ca/orchestra
QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:
HOW TO APPLY:
Visit https://www.tso.ca/AffiliateComposer to submit your application.
Applications must include:
citizenship
contact information
educational background
three professional references with contact information
a complete list of compositions, including information about past and further performances of works plus any discography or publications (if applicable)
Toronto Symphony Orchestra
145 Wellington Street, Suite 500,
Toronto, ON M5J 1H8
*All written application materials must be submitted in one single file. Only PDF documents will be accepted.
NOTE: The search committee will receive all applications for the position in confidence.
Audition process:
Terms:
TMA Stands with CFM, AFM and the PAVTF in Opposing P2 Increases
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed making it much more costly to apply to U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) for the required visas for international guest artists. Its plans to increase most of its filing fees, including those for O and P artist visas applications.
TMA stands together with the Federation and the Performing Arts Visa Task Force in opposition to those changes.
To read the full text of the PAVTF opposition please click here (PDF).
TMA149 Members Can Now Subscribe to the Arts & Entertainment Plan
Health, Dental, Life, AD&D, and More for Our Community
Coronavirus Information for TMA149 Members – March 15, 2020
March 15, 2020 – To our Members,
Covid-19 has brought about unprecedented times in our world and our industry is experiencing the full negative economic effects of the pandemic.
Along with our Federation and its locals, as well as sister unions and engager partners we are doing our best to:
As of this morning all of our Major Collective Bargaining partners have ceased performances until April, and many single engagement contracts have been cancelled. We are seeing nearly the same magnitude of decline in electronic media reports and contracts. We have been in touch with all players committees and many leaders, contractors and engagers to help advocate for the best possible conditions for members in this circumstance. Anyone needing assistance with cancelled engagements please do not hesitate to contact Business Representative Scott Harrison or myself to give advice and to help reach a best possible resolution for you and the members on the engagement. We ask all leaders to keep and share documentation of lost wages and other hardships from cancelled engagements in order that we can appropriately record and respond to the crisis.
Regarding your union we are fighting through this for our members and at the same time have made a budget and plan that matches this new reality. Our office remains open as we have sufficient space for social distancing, but we ask that all those who have traveled to affected areas and those that have any cold or flu like symptoms to access services by phone or email.
For all members, and we realize this will be the majority of our membership, who are experiencing income interruption, the following are resources are available to help you through what we hope is a brief pause in our industry:
Our board is considering our own role in assistance this week and we will be in constant communication in order to help each other through this difficult time.
In Solidarity, Michael Murray, Executive Director
Team Changes: Farewell to Nancy, Judy and Dawn – Congratulations Derek and Julia
TMA149 is saying goodbye to three long-standing employees this month, and while we want to respect their wishes for a relatively quiet goodbye, we wanted to simply say thank-you for their unprecedented tenures. Nancy Neal, Membership & Contracts Coordinator, Judy Mitsuki, Membership & Contracts Coordinator, and Dawn Rodriques, Administrative Manager are retiring and their over 135 combined years of experience at TMA149 represents an immense contribution to our membership, the music sector and the Greater Toronto Area.
With the retirement of Dawn Rodriques the Board of Directors and Executive Director Michael Murray have appointed Derek Singh to the role of Operations Manager with the combined responsibilities of his former Systems Manager position and the position of Administrative Manager. In addition Julia Cleveland will be supporting Derek throughout 2020 and into 2021 as Solutions Consultant while we assess internal capacity and team structure in order to pursue our mission: a great quality of life for professional musicians in the Greater Toronto Area.
Please join the Board of Directors and Executive Director of TMA in congratulating all departing and newly appointed team members.
Nominate a Musician for 2019 TMA149 Musician of the Year and 2020 Lifetime Achievement Awards
The Musician of the Year Award was created to allow our Members to recognize their peers for their talents and achievements in the previous calendar year.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was created to recognize distinguished members in our local. The first Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Moe Koffman posthumously, in 2001. It recognizes long-term achievements. The suggested criteria are as follows:
If you are interested in submitting a nomination, please fill out this form and forward it by mail, email or fax to the TMA office no later than April 14, 2020 to the attention of Derek Singh, Operations Manager email: dsingh@tma149.ca – fax: (416) 421-7011 – 15 Gervais Dr, Suite 500, Toronto, ON, M3C 1Y8
Coronavirus Information for TMA149 Members – March 19, 2020
March 19, 2020 – To our Members,
The Covid-19 pandemic continues to evolve and today we want to share what we understand of the relief available outside of TMA149. We expect that tomorrow we will be ready to let you know more about TMA149 relief and an advocacy project intended to restore the live arts during and after this pandemic.
On March 18, 2020 the Government of Canada released more details on a $83 billion relief package, that already helps with some of the most pressing needs of our members, including support for independent and dependent contractors.
Our office remains open as we have sufficient space for social distancing, but we ask that members only visit the office if absolutely necessary, and not at all if you have traveled to affected areas or have any cold or flu like symptoms. Instead please continue to access services by phone or email.
We will also wanted to repeat and add to our original list of resources:
Again feel free to reach out to myself or any of our office staff with specific requests and I expect to be sending another email shortly outlining specific TMA149 relief and initiatives in response to Covid-19.
In Solidarity, Michael Murray, Executive Director
Coronavirus Information for TMA149 Members – March 23, 2020
March 23, 2020 – To our Members,
I am getting back in touch with you to update you on TMA149 initiatives in response to the Covid-19 pandemic’s economic fallout on the live arts, government support that may be available to support you at this time, and a town hall to help keep members informed.First, you should have received an invitation to review and consider signing onto a set of asks of all levels of government under the title Save Live Arts. You may review the asks and sign the petition at http://www.savelivearts.ca. I ask that you take ten minutes of your day to review this information and if you agree with the measures requested that you sign the petition. The measures speak to immediate and long-term relief and you know better than anyone what a difficult journey this has already been and will continue to be for some time.
Many members have shared information about their list of cancelled gigs and we have been collecting that information, aggregating the data, and sharing where it has the most impact. We are developing a new online form to collect this information. You will receive a personal email in coming days asking you to sign up for an account on the new TMA website and enter your cancelled gig information. There are many other surveys on this subject, please see the following offered by Music Canada as one example.
In response to the economic needs of our membership the Board of Directors of TMA149 has decided to make a motion to the membership to suspend all late fees, penalties and reinstatement fees found in Articles 14 1(c), (2), (3), (4) and (5) of the TMA149 By-Laws. This means that if you fall behind on dues you will be able to bring your membership into good standing by simply paying for missing quarters.
Further to provide relief for our longest standing and most senior members the Board of Directors has extended the deadline to pay for 2020 Life Membership from April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020.
Further, although no rule changes were required, the Board of Directors wishes to clarify that all members who have been diagnosed with, or tested positive for, Covid-19 may apply for support to the TMA149 Health Benefit and Extended Health Benefit, as well as the Federation’s Lester Petrillo Memorial Fund for Disabled Musicians.
Understandably there has been a lot of interest in the Government of Canada’s newly announced Emergency Support Benefit and Emergency Care Benefit. Both benefits need to be enacted through legislation and few details have been released regarding the eligibility criteria or application process for either benefit. We know that for the Emergency Care Benefit, for those who are sick or quarantined, those who are taking care of the sick, and those who are taking care of children, you will be able to apply though either the My Service Canada portal or the CRA My Account portal. We do not know what, if any portal, will handle applications for the Emergency Support Benefit. We highly recommend that if you are considering applying for either benefit that you immediately ensure you have access to at least your CRA My Account. We believe CRA My Account will be the easier of the two portals to access.
We are having a Town Hall this Wednesday March 25, 2020 @ 11:00 AM until 12:30 PM where you will be able to attend by phone or video conference and ask questions about Covid-19 (or really about anything TMA149 related) on the Zoom platform. Please note that if the public health restrictions continue upcoming general meetings may be in this format and the Town hall provides a great opportunity to attend as a test run. The following are the access details for the Town Hall:
Time: Mar 25, 2020 11:00 AM Toronto Join Zoom Meeting (Use this for simple videoconferencing)
https://zoom.us/j/176886476 Meeting ID: 176 886 476 Call In Numbers (for Phone audio on its own, or with computer video)
+1 647 558 0588
+1 647 374 4685
+1 587 328 1099
+1 438 809 7799
+1 778 907 2071 Meeting ID:
176 886 476 No need to enter a participant ID.
Our office is now physically closed and we are working from home. Although we are still accepting phone calls, mail and courier delivery, we ask that you access services by email whenever possible. Those working please do continue to send contracts, reports, dues and pension contributions.
We will also wanted to repeat the list of additional resources:
Again feel free to reach out to myself or any of our office staff with specific requests including regular business inquiries.
In Solidarity, Michael Murray, Executive Director
Coronavirus Information for TMA149 Members – March 27, 2020
March 27, 2020 – To our Members,
In this latest update I will go through the Newly Announced Wage Subsidy and HST Remittance Delay, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, Other measures for Taxation, Housing, Emergency Funds, and link you to a recording of our Town Hall, as well as advocacy efforts through SaveLiveArts.ca. This afternoon the government of Canada announced the intention to provide a 75% wage subsidy for small business. As has been the trend, this initial announcement did not come with any detail for those of you who are business owners, or who may have questions about how this might impact your cancelled gigs. We will update you when we know more. The government also announced today that they will allow businesses, including self-employed individuals, to defer until June 30, 2020 payments of the Goods and Services Tax / Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST). I believe top of mind for everyone is the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. By the time relief legislation was passed regular Employment Insurance, the proposed Canada Support Benefit and the Canada Emergency Benefit were all rolled into one platform titled the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). We still highly recommend that if you are considering applying for this benefit that you immediately ensure you have access to at least your CRA My Account. We believe CRA My Account will be the easier of the two portals to access. We believe the applications will open April 6, 2020 and be retroactive until March 15, 2020.
The following is the best information we have regarding the CERB:
Canada Emergency Response Benefit
The federal government has combined two emergency benefit measures that it announced earlier to provide support to individuals affected by COVID-19 into one new benefit, the CERB.
What is it?
Who is eligible?
How much is it?
When and how can workers apply?
Other Measures
Taxation Benefits and Extensions
Housing
TOArtist COVID Response Fund
To assist Toronto artists in dealing with the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis, Toronto Arts Foundation and Toronto Arts Council are introducing the TOArtist COVID Response Fund. The Fund will allocate up to $1000 to self-employed, individual artists resident in Toronto whose creative work and income have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
TMA149 Initiatives
Save Live Arts
Please remember to consider and ask your contacts to consider signing onto a set of asks of all levels of government under the title Save Live Arts. You may review the asks and sign the petition at www.savelivearts.ca.
Covid-19 Update Archive
We are archiving these updates here, and there are other resources listed:
https://tma149.ca/2016-01-26-02-05-12/press-releases/349-coronovirus-information-for-tma149-members
Recording of March 25, 2020 Town Hall
https://tma149.ca/2016-01-26-02-05-12/press-releases/349-coronovirus-information-for-tma149-members
Suspension of Dues Penalties and Reinstatement Fees, Extension of Life Member Dues Deadline
In response to the economic needs of our membership the Board of Directors of TMA149 has decided to make a motion to the membership to suspend all late fees, penalties and reinstatement fees found in Articles 14 1(c), (2), (3), (4) and (5) of the TMA149 By-Laws. This means that if you fall behind on dues you will be able to bring your membership into good standing by simply paying for missing quarters. Further to provide relief for our longest standing and most senior members the Board of Directors has extended the deadline to pay for 2020 Life Membership from April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020.
TMA149 Health Benefits
Further, although no rule changes were required, the Board of Directors wishes to clarify that all members who have been diagnosed with, or tested positive for, Covid-19 may apply for support to the TMA149 Health Benefit and Extended Health Benefit, as well as the Federation’s Lester Petrillo Memorial Fund for Disabled Musicians.
TMA149 Office
Our office is now physically closed and we are working from home. Although we are still accepting phone calls, mail and courier delivery, we ask that you access services by email whenever possible. Those working please do continue to send contracts, reports, dues and pension contributions.
Resource List
We also wanted to repeat the list of additional resources:
A number of other relief funds have been established for those and other Covid-19 Resources, please review this list put together by CARFAC. Again feel free to reach out to myself or any of our office staff with specific requests including regular business inquiries.
In Solidarity, Michael Murray, Executive Director
RECORDING – Covid-19 Town Hall for TMA149 Members
Please view a ZOOM recording of the town hall streamed on March 25th, 2020, along with the chat here:
Coronavirus Information for TMA149 Members – April 5, 2020
April 5, 2020 – To our Members,
During the past week we have been working with the Federation, and other partners, to advocate for clarity around the “no work” eligibility requirement for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. We have communicated that if our members are not allowed to earn a small portion of their regular income while receiving the benefit that it will be difficult for our membership to take advantage of the benefit. We know many of you have been writing your Members of Parliament and other officials to advocate for the same clarity and changes, and that many petitions and efforts have been established with similar objectives. We also know that a number of Senators asked questions along the same lines in the sitting of the Senate itself. For instance please see the comments from Senator Miville-Dechêne in the Senate on March 25, 2020. The answers to those questions will give those seeking flexibility in the CERB little assurance, and so far our appeals and those of others have been largely ignored. As a result:
We wanted to highlight the newest measures that may help members and/or their engagers: The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy has been planned in order to support employers through a subsidy equalling 75% of wages paid to employees, up to a maximum per employee. Legislation is still required to put this benefit into effect and questions remain about whether subsidy of independent or dependent contractors’ wages would be included. The government will allow businesses, including self-employed individuals, to defer until June 30, 2020 payments of the Goods and Services Tax / Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST). Out of the many self-streaming platforms that have emerged, musictogether.ca is the latest and is backed by the Ontario government to support production costs and artist fees. Toronto Arts Foundation and Toronto Arts Council introduced the TOArtist COVID Response Fund, unfortunately the fund was quickly oversubscribed and is currently suspended until TAC recapitalizes.
TMA149 Initiatives
Save Live Arts
Please remember to consider and ask your contacts to consider signing onto a set of asks of all levels of government under the title Save Live Arts. You may review the asks and sign the petition at www.savelivearts.ca.
Wednesday April 8, 2020 – Covid-19 Town Hall #2
We are going to hold another town hall for members to ask questions and share resources this coming Wednesday April 8, 2020. Please join us with the details below: Topic: TMA149 Covid-19 Town Hall #2
Time: Apr 8, 2020 10:00 AM America/Toronto Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/269076204 Meeting ID: 269 076 204
Password: 077598 One tap mobile
+15873281099,,269076204# Canada
+16473744685,,269076204# Canada Dial by your location
+1 587 328 1099 Canada
+1 647 374 4685 Canada
+1 647 558 0588 Canada
+1 778 907 2071 Canada
+1 438 809 7799 Canada
Meeting ID: 269 076 204
Password: 077598
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/abX5Filt8k
Recording of March 25, 2020 Town Hall
https://tma149.ca/2016-01-26-02-05-12/press-releases/349-coronovirus-information-for-tma149-members
Suspension of Dues Penalties and Reinstatement Fees, Extension of Life Member Dues Deadline
In response to the economic needs of our membership the Board of Directors of TMA149 has decided to make a motion to the membership to suspend all late fees, penalties and reinstatement fees found in Articles 14 1(c), (2), (3), (4) and (5) of the TMA149 By-Laws. This means that if you fall behind on dues you will be able to bring your membership into good standing by simply paying for missing quarters. Further to provide relief for our longest standing and most senior members the Board of Directors has extended the deadline to pay for 2020 Life Membership from April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020.
TMA149 Health Benefits
Further, although no rule changes were required, the Board of Directors wishes to clarify that all members who have been diagnosed with, or tested positive for, Covid-19 may apply for support to the TMA149 Health Benefit and Extended Health Benefit, as well as the Federation’s Lester Petrillo Memorial Fund for Disabled Musicians.
TMA149 Office
Our office is now physically closed and we are working from home. Although we are still accepting phone calls, mail and courier delivery, we ask that you access services by email whenever possible. Those working please do continue to send contracts, reports, dues and pension contributions.
Covid-19 Update Archive
We are archiving these updates here, and there are other resources listed
Resource List
We also wanted to repeat the list of additional resources:
A number of other relief funds have been established for those and other Covid-19 Resources, please review this list put together by CARFAC. Again feel free to reach out to myself or any of our office staff with specific requests including regular business inquiries.
In Solidarity, Michael Murray, Executive Director
Coronavirus Information for TMA149 Members – April 16
April 16, 2020 – To our Members,
Canada Emergency Response Benefit
Yesterday we heard encouraging comments from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding the Canada Emergency Response Benefit and the potential to earn partial income and still qualify for the benefit. Prime Minister Trudeau’s address from April 15, 2020, included the following:
“Today I can announce we are expanding the Canada Emergency Response Benefit to include people making up to $1000 per month…If you earn a thousand dollars or less per month you can now apply to the CERB…[also] royalty payments will not prevent creators from qualifying for benefits under the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).”
As of 5:00 pm on April 15, 2020 the Canada Emergency Response Benefit website, including the Questions and Answers on the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, did not yet reflect the announced changes. We also could not find any published amendments to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit Act or regulations that would put the announced changes into practice. The most official indication of changes comes from the following unanimous motion from the Speaker of the House of Commons on April 11, 2020, then replaced by a motion from Jagmeet Singh, representative for Burnaby-South and Leader of the NDP :
“That, notwithstanding any standing order, special order or usual practice of the House, paragraph r) of the order adopted earlier today be replaced with the following: the government implement measures without delay to address gaps in the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, or other programs, existing or proposed, to address the needs of seasonal workers, those who have exhausted their EI benefits, students, owner/operators, those who continue to receive a modest income from part-time work, royalties, and honoraria, and that, in addition, the government work to ensure essential workers who receive low wages will receive additional income support during this time of crisis, and commit that those who have applied in good faith for and received benefits through CERB or other programs to support them through this crisis will not be unjustly penalized.”
As soon as we are aware of official changes and we have answered additional questions we will bring you more on the benefit,which is now open for applications.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
For those who own or run companies with employees, or who may be wondering what support their engagers or employers may be eligible for, the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy has been put into place through the passing of Bill C-14 and the accompanying changes to the Income Tax Act within that bill. Applications for the subsidy are not yet open at the time we wrote this letter.
HST Remittance Deferral
As a reminder, the government will allow businesses, including self-employed individuals, to defer until June 30, 2020 payments of the Goods and Services Tax / Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST).
Auto Insurance Discounts during Covid-19
We are passing this message on from our Home & Auto Insurance partner thePersonal and understand similar discounts may be available from any of your auto insurance providers.
In an effort to support its clients, The Personal is offering an auto insurance premium discount to clients who are staying at home. As people are currently driving their vehicles less, The Personal wants to reflect this situation, offering this discount to clients whose commuting habits have significantly changed and who are only using their vehicles for essential trips to such places as the pharmacy or grocery store. This discount is open to people who, for example, are now working from home or have lost their job, or to anyone who is self-isolating. The discount will be calculated over a three-month period and will be in proportion to the annual mileage declared on their insurance contract. Eligible clients who are interested in receiving this rebate should apply by May 31 at : www.thepersonal.com/tma149 This news can be found on our dedicated landing page at www.thepersonal.com/covid-19-en
Save Live Arts
Please remember to consider and ask your contacts to consider signing onto a set of asks of all levels of government under the title Save Live Arts. You may review the asks and sign the petition at www.savelivearts.ca.
Covid-19 Town Hall #3 – Friday April 24, 2020 @ 10:00 AM
We are going to hold our next town hall for members to ask questions and share resources on Friday April 24, 2020 @ 10:00 AM. Please join us with the details below: Topic: TMA Covid-19 Town Hall #3
Time: Apr 24, 2020 10:00 AM America/Toronto Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/98197536089 Meeting ID: 981 9753 6089
Recording of April 8, 2020 Town Hall
View Recorded Meeting Here
Suspension of Dues Penalties and Reinstatement Fees, Extension of Life Member Dues Deadline
In response to the economic needs of our membership the Board of Directors of TMA149 has decided to make a motion to the membership to suspend all late fees, penalties and reinstatement fees found in Articles 14 1(c), (2), (3), (4) and (5) of theTMA149 By-Laws. This means that if you fall behind on dues you will be able to bring your membership into good standing by simply paying for missing quarters. Further to provide relief for our longest standing and most senior members the Board of Directors has extended the deadline to pay for 2020 Life Membership from April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020.
TMA149 Health Benefits
Further, although no rule changes were required, the Board of Directors wishes to clarify that all members who have been diagnosed with, or tested positive for, Covid-19 may apply for support to the TMA149 Health Benefit and Extended Health Benefit, as well as the Federation’s Lester Petrillo Memorial Fund for Disabled Musicians.
TMA149 and CFM Office
Our office is physically closed and we are working from home. Although we are still accepting phone calls, mail and courier delivery, we ask that you access services by email whenever possible. Those working please do continue to send contracts, reports, dues and pension contributions. Please note the Canadian Office of the Federation is open for electronic services and accepting P2 applications by mail for those planning a post-Covid tour.
Covid-19 Update Archive
We are archiving these updates here, and there are other resources listed.
Resource List
We also wanted to repeat and add to our list of additional resources:
Again feel free to reach out to myself or any of our office staff with specific requests including regular business inquiries.
In Solidarity, Michael Murray, Executive Director
Coronavirus Information for TMA149 Members – April 30, 2020
April 30, 2020 – To our Members,
Canada Emergency Response Benefit
Please note that eligibility criteria for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit has continued to develop over the past two weeks. We believe the changes and clarifications provided on the CERB Questions and Answers site provide our members with increased opportunity to be eligible for the benefit.
Here are some highlights from what we understand:
Two important remaining questions we received from members relate to the timing of payments, especially cancellation and guarantee payments, and the applicability of HST to the CERB. To serve our members we solicited an opinion from the accounting firm which provides TMA149 with its annual audit, Hogg, Shain and Scheck. That opinion is available for all members here. As a summary:
Please note that currently an applicant can only receive the CERB for maximum four periods. In the re-opening plans from Ontario, as well as those from other Provinces and other jurisdictions the removal of restrictions on large gatherings are only included at the final or post-final stages. We will begin work with partners to ask government for an extension of the CERB for workers, including musicians, who rely on the removal of these restrictions. Those who are already in dialogue with their MP’s are also advised to begin these conversations.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
For those who are structured as corporations there may be a way to receive support through the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy for your own wages and those of any other employees, instead of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. We advise that for any further advice or support for this benefit you ask your accountant.
HST Remittance Deferral
As a reminder, the government will allow businesses, including self-employed individuals, to defer until June 30, 2020 payments of the Goods and Services Tax / Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST).
Auto Insurance Discounts during Covid-19
Our Home & Auto Insurance partner thePersonal is offering special support at this time, along with many other insurers. You will receive a specific message from thePersonal in the coming days in order to access benefits, or you may visits www.thepersonal.com/tma149.
Save Live Arts
Please remember to consider and ask your contacts to consider signing onto a set of asks of all levels of government under the title Save Live Arts. You may review the asks and sign the petition at www.savelivearts.ca. These asks will be updated in the coming days and weeks to report on goals already achieved and provide updated goals given what reopening may look like for the live arts.
Covid-19 Town Hall #4 – Friday May 8, 2020 @ 10:00 AM
We are going to hold our next town hall for members to ask questions and share resources on Friday May 8, 2020 @ 10:00 AM. Please join us with the details below:
Topic: TMA149 Covid-19 Town Hall #4
Time: May 8, 2020 10:00 AM America/Toronto
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85276991388
Recording of April 24, 2020 Town Hall
The recording of the April 24, 2020 Town Hall may be found here.
Suspension of Dues Penalties and Reinstatement Fees, Extension of Life Member Dues Deadline
In response to the economic needs of our membership the Board of Directors of TMA149 has decided to make a motion to the membership to suspend all late fees, penalties and reinstatement fees found in Articles 14 1(c), (2), (3), (4) and (5) of the TMA149 By-Laws. This means that if you fall behind on dues you will be able to bring your membership into good standing by simply paying for missing quarters. Further to provide relief for our longest standing and most senior members the Board of Directors has extended the deadline to pay for 2020 Life Membership from April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020.
TMA149 Health Benefits
Further, although no rule changes were required, the Board of Directors wishes to clarify that all members who have been diagnosed with, or tested positive for, Covid-19 may apply for support to the TMA149 Health Benefit and Extended Health Benefit, as well as the Federation’s Lester Petrillo Memorial Fund for Disabled Musicians.
TMA149 and CFM Office
Our office is physically closed and we are working from home. Although we are still accepting phone calls, mail and courier delivery, we ask that you access services by email whenever possible. Those working please do continue to send contracts, reports, dues and pension contributions. Please note the Canadian Office of the Federation is open for electronic services and accepting P2 applications by mail for those planning a post-Covid tour.
Covid-19 Update Archive
We are archiving these updates here, and there are other resources listed.
Resource List
We also wanted to repeat and add to our list of additional resources:
Again feel free to reach out to myself or any of our office staff with specific requests including regular business inquiries.
In Solidarity, Michael Murray, Executive Director
Workplace Safety & Prevention
Guidance on Health and Safety for Television, Film and Live Performance Sector during COVID-19
OVERVIEW
This is not a legal document and employers are advised to seek legal advice.
Employers and constructors have obligations to protect workers from hazards in the workplace as set out in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations and the directives coming from the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
Workers should raise any concerns to their:
This will help ensure the employer has taken all reasonable precautions.
Ontario is currently in the midst of a global pandemic. While the COVID-19 situation is changing rapidly, the legislation and regulations used to govern Ontario’s workplaces are not.
Under Ontario law, employers have the duty to keep workers and work sites safe and free of hazards. Workers have the right to refuse unsafe work. If health and safety concerns are not resolved internally, a worker can seek enforcement by filing a complaint with the ministry’s Health and Safety Contact Centre at 1-877-202-0008. Failure of the employer or constructor to comply with the OHSA and its regulations could result in a stop-work order upon inspection by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.
BEST PRACTICES
A new type of virus, known as COVID-19, is causing an outbreak of respiratory (lung) disease. The severity of this illness can vary from person to person. There are steps you can take to prevent the spread of infection. This document provides information to help you while working during the COVID-19 pandemic.
RECOGNIZE AND ASSESS
COVID-19 can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath. These symptoms can appear in a few days or up to 14 days after being exposed to the virus. For some people, the symptoms are like having a cold; for others they may be severe or life-threatening.
The virus is transmitted via droplets during close, unprotected contact with an infected person, or by touching an infected surface and then the mouth, nose, or eyes.
Keeping safe at work involves understanding how employees could come into contact with COVID-19 as they perform their jobs, and then taking steps to minimize contact.
People working as program hosts, reporters, performers, writers, technical crew, wardrobe and make-up stylists, admin staff, sales and marketing staff are just some of those in the TV, Film, Live Performance Sector who need to consider how they can work safely and prevent COVID-19 from spreading.
In addition, employers should advise these workers to complete the online self-assessment or call either:
CONTROLS
Here are a number of options for protecting Television, Film and Live Performance workers from exposure to COVID-19:
As a last resort, consider personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE is effective only if appropriate to the situation and people wear it correctly. Ensure PPE training includes the fit, use, care, putting on and taking off, maintenance, cleaning and limitations of the PPE.
Disposable gloves are one example of PPE that can help limit contact with surfaces that may be infected. Implement safe practices for changing gloves, such as if they are torn or dirty and disposing of them.
Respiratory protection is not the first line of defence against COVID-19. Please continue to monitor Public Health Ontario for respiratory protection advice.
EVALUATE
COVID-19 has presented challenges workplaces have never encountered before. Keep in mind that any adjustments made today may need readjusting tomorrow. Look at preventative measures on an ongoing basis, and adjust them if they are not working well enough or causing other issues. For example, are people doing what they’ve been asked to do? If not, what is preventing them from doing so? Can you make adjustments and improve?
For anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please start by visiting the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website and taking a self-assessment: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/#q0. Please do not visit an assessment centre unless you have been referred by a health care professional. Do not call 911 unless it is an emergency.
For additional information, refer to Health Canada’s website on COVID-19: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/being-prepared.html?topic=tilelink
RESOURCES
Stay updated with daily government updates on COVID-19:
Government of Ontario
Government of Canada
Public Health Ontario
NOTE: This document is intended for informational purposes only to provide an overview of the potential hazards posed in the workplace due to COVID-19. It is not intended as medical advice, to provide a comprehensive risk assessment for all workplaces, or to replace any legislated workplace safety obligations. Due to the ongoing evolution of the situation in Ontario and around the world, this document may be used as a guide for Employers in addition to guidance delivered by public health authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Ontario Ministry of Health, Public Health Ontario and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).” Any use which is made of this document by any Employer, or any reliance on or decisions to be made based on it, are the responsibility of the Employer. WSPS and its partners, officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives, suppliers and service providers accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions in content or for damages of any kind or nature suffered by any Employer or any third party as a result of use of or reliance on this communication.
April 24, 2020 Covid-19 Town Hall Meeting Recording
Watch Now
Chat Text:
Opinion Letter from Hogg, Shain and Scheck
re: The Canada Emergency Response Benefit and Self Employed Members
May 8, 2020 Covid-19 Town Hall Meeting Recording
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvCSrhjaRy4&feature=youtu.be
TEXT OF CHAT
10:19:14 From Scott Harrison To Michael Murray(privately) : ya, Im here :)
10:27:22 From Dominique Laplante : that is correct number
10:39:42 From Kate Unrau : The covid special media agreement. I have concerns.
10:39:51 From user : Need to extend the CERB..We will need it.
10:39:59 From Brandon Chui : Re: CERB, do you know if one’s eligibility changes if s/he leaves the country for any given period of time?
10:40:26 From Dominique Laplante To Michael Murray(privately) : we didn’t receive notice of this meeting until this morning. looked through junk, trash, etc. and nothing there.
10:40:30 From Kate Unrau : The agreement is a little broken. It keeps payroll going for contracted players who have cancellations with the organization in the month following the broadcast, but it doesn’t acknowledge all the people whose work is actually on the material being broadcast. Freelance extras are getting lost in the shuffle here.
10:42:28 From Kate Unrau : Thanks, Michael.
10:42:50 From Scott Harrison : https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/apply-for-cerb-with-cra/who-apply.html
10:43:03 From Scott Harrison : “You reside in Canada and are at least 15 years old”
10:43:18 From Scott Harrison : no mention of that
10:43:25 From Brandon Chui : What if this person American?
10:44:25 From Linda cara To Michael Murray(privately) : April 30
10:45:03 From Dominique Laplante To Michael Murray(privately) : didn’t get that on April 30!
10:47:06 From Mic Dim : What about the $40,00 loan? What does that entail?
10:47:15 From Scott Harrison : https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application/questions.html#eligibility
10:47:27 From Scott Harrison : From that page: “Can you receive the CERB if you are not a citizen or permanent resident?
Yes if you meet the eligibility requirements, which includes residing in Canada and having a valid Social Insurance Number.”
10:47:32 From Kevin Barrett : Michael – you and the Board and staff continue to do a GREAT job for us. Thank you!
10:48:46 From Michael Murray : https://www.bdc.ca/en/pages/special-support.aspx?special-initiative=covid19
10:50:01 From Mic Dim : Don’t most bands have independent contractors, so there is no payroll. most musicians are paid on a gig basis
10:51:03 From Mic Dim : musicians are paid by cheque per show, so there is no payroll. So that means no loan?
10:53:18 From Liz Johnston : Just wanted to share some info: OCSM General Meeting is now going to meet May 27-29 on line, from 12:00-2:00 each day, and we are extending our invites to include PC chairs, alternate delegates as well as delegates and anyone else in the orchestra unit who is interested to observe.
10:53:35 From Liz Johnston : VP
10:54:00 From Liz Johnston : YEs
10:54:17 From Liz Johnston : That would be great
10:54:54 From Liz Johnston : We also have our regular business in August
10:55:09 From Liz Johnston : Unknown yet
10:55:15 From Liz Johnston : yes
10:55:31 From Liz Johnston : This will be more of the delegate report meeting
10:56:19 From Ellen Moore : Is there any information about the survival of our major organizations— COC, Ballet, TSO, Mirvish? Possibility any of these large organizations will not survive?
10:56:21 From Liz Johnston : Yes we are
10:59:38 From Linda cara To Michael Murray(privately) : on cp24…Mirvish saying Hamilton will return its run but no date given..just saw it now
11:00:53 From Cala : Thank you Michael & the TMA. I have to leave early. Talk soon, stay safe, keep making noise.
11:04:18 From Mic Dim To Michael Murray(privately) : Please try to check out any alternative measures for most bands that are not Orchestras, but are Top 40, Tribute, etc. These bands have lost a huge amount of shows. For us example is about 150 shows per year. We can only get CERB individually even though we employ other musicians full time on a independent basis. But there is no payroll, just being paid per show by cheque, however a lot of money has been lost.
11:04:45 From Michael Murray : https://covid-19.ontario.ca/
11:05:01 From Dominique Laplante : Thanks Michael and TMA for soldiering on in our behalf!
11:05:05 From Michael Murray : https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-support-people#section-4
11:05:24 From Michael Murray : https://www.connexontario.ca/
11:05:49 From Patrick Jordan : Happy to say the Tafelmusik management leadership is also doing well.
11:05:54 From Mic Dim : My many thanks to you Michael and everyone who is putting their time and effort into giving us more information.
11:08:00 From Scott Harrison : If you haven’t already, please sign the petition on https://www.savelivearts.ca
11:08:27 From Kate Unrau : Just a comment: I’d love to see online attendance like this as a continued possibility for TMA general meetings, even after COVID. Something to consider down the road… Team TMA is terrific, and it’s great to stay in contact. Thanks again.
11:08:28 From Jay Boehmer To Michael Murray(privately) : As well, MPTF elected to pay out 9 performances that were cancelled due to COVID-19
11:08:45 From Linda cara : As President, I would like to thank Michael and staff for the incredible amount of work they are doing for all of us during this very difficult time..thank you also to the Board..everyone has really gone above and beyond
11:09:17 From Jay Boehmer To Michael Murray(privately) : Free and open to the public!
11:09:21 From Mic Dim : I agree Kate Online attendance is a great way to give much needed information to many musicians to learn
11:09:27 From Dominique Laplante : ???
11:09:51 From DSW : Thanks Michael!!! Stay Healthy!!
11:10:34 From Maria Pelletier : Thanks, Michael!
11:10:52 From Liz Johnston : Thanks Michael!
11:10:58 From Lorne Grossman : thank you Michael.
11:11:02 From DSW : Where can we find previous town hall????
11:11:08 From Rea Beaumont, DMA : Thanks!!
11:11:16 From Lorne Grossman : bye
TE
Coronavirus Information for TMA149 Members – May 22, 2020
To our Members,
Advocacy for Extension of the CERB and other Measures
We know the vast majority of our membership faces great uncertainty about when they will be able to return to performing and earning a living. As we indicated in my last update and as many of you have reiterated to me through direct communication, the extension of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit for musicians is the top priority in our community. Both you and TMA149 represented by the Federation joined together with a coalition of performing arts workers in asking for an extension of the CERB until at least the end of 2020 in an April 21, 2020 letter to the Federal Government. You may follow-up this letter by:
Please note that TMA149 followed up the April 21, 2020 letter to the Federal Government with its own May 13, 2020 letter to the Provincial Government with requests for support in the Province’s jurisdiction. You may wish to have follow-up conversations with your elected Provincial representative, your MPP, about this letter and feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions, comments or suggested additions.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
While the extension of the CERB is our focus, considering the extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy has already been announced, we have decided to solicit more information on how members could become eligible for the subsidy both now and in the near future. We will share this information as we receive it. Those who are interested in the CEWS now, and who have access to accounting and legal advice, should speak directly with their accountant and/or lawyer on accessing the CEWS and what impact it may have on your business.
AFM Freelance Fund
Our Federation has launched a Musicians’ Relief Fund dedicated to freelance musicians. Please review the criteria and apply if you need assistance. Please note our members are eligible other than those that continue to receive payments under a Collective Bargaining Agreement. In the case of TMA149 this only excludes core orchestra members of TSO, COC, National Ballet and Tafelmusik, and those with ongoing work in Commercial Announcements.
Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations
The Federal Government has announced how distribution of its special fund for our sector will be distributed. If you or your organization have an ongoing funding history with the Department of Canadian Heritage, Canada Council for the Arts, or FACTOR, there may be support that impacts you in Phase 1 of the distribution. For details please visit this page.
Detailed List of Stage 1 Openings – Music Studios can Reopen
Please note as of May 19, 2020 Music Studios were included in the detailed list of businesses that can reopen under the Framework for Reopening our Province.
Safe Return to Work
As different parts of the community reopen, we are publishing our own recommendations as well as guidelines from our colleague organizations on the safe return to work in the recording and live sectors. Please visit this post for updates.
Mental Health Supports
As this crisis continues Mental Health is of greater and greater concern. Let’s support each other the best we can and know the Provincial Government has listed some great resources here.
May 22 Practice General Meeting – 11:00 AM
As a reminder if you are interested in attending the Online Annual General Meetings next week and you want to try out the technology and get a feel for the meeting style please attend today’s practice general meeting. Please note that General Meetings are quite procedural and much different from the Town Halls that we have been having for Covid-19 Updates. We will hold another Town Hall in June after the General Meetings have concluded.
Topic: TMA149 Test General Meeting
Time: May 22, 2020 11:00 AM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/94252501662
Meeting ID: 942 5250 1662
Recording of May 8, 2020 Town Hall
The recording of the May 8, 2020 Town Hall may be found here.
Suspension of Dues Penalties and Reinstatement Fees, Extension of Life Member Dues Deadline
In response to the economic needs of our membership the Board of Directors of TMA149 has decided to make a motion to the membership to suspend all late fees, penalties and reinstatement fees found in Articles 14 1(c), (2), (3), (4) and (5) of theTMA149 By-Laws. This means that if you fall behind on dues you will be able to bring your membership into good standing by simply paying for missing quarters. Further to provide relief for our longest standing and most senior members the Board of Directors has extended the deadline to pay for 2020 Life Membership from April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020.
TMA149 Health Benefits
Further, although no rule changes were required, the Board of Directors wishes to clarify that all members who have been diagnosed with, or tested positive for, Covid-19 may apply for support to the TMA149 Health Benefit and Extended Health Benefit, as well as the Federation’s Lester Petrillo Memorial Fund for Disabled Musicians.
TMA149 and CFM Office
Our office is physically closed and we are working from home. Although we are still accepting phone calls, mail and courier delivery, we ask that you access services by email whenever possible. Those working please do continue to send contracts, reports, dues and pension contributions.
Please note the Canadian Office of the Federation is open for electronic services and accepting P2 applications by mail for those planning a post-Covid tour.
Covid-19 Update Archive
We are archiving these updates here.
Resource List
We also wanted to repeat and add to our list of additional resources:
Again feel free to reach out to myself or any of our office staff with specific requests including regular business inquiries.
In Solidarity, Michael Murray, Executive Director
Coronavirus Information for TMA149 Members – June 10, 2020
To our Members,
Bill in the House regarding the CERB and other Measures
We have been working together collectively as a membership for the extension of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit for musicians.
Today a bill is being introduced in the House of Commons that will alter the CERB and consider the next stage of Covid-19 response and recovery. We do not anticipate that the bill will meet our goals. Please consider taking the following steps as we continue to apply pressure if this bill does not meet our goals:
Provincial Advocacy
Please also note that TMA149 followed up the April 21, 2020 letter to the Federal Government with its own May 13, 2020 letter to the Provincial Government with requests for support in the Province’s jurisdiction. You may wish to have follow-up conversations with your elected Provincial representative, your MPP, about this letter and feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions, comments or suggested additions.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
While the extension of the CERB is our focus, the extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy has already been announced. After speaking to our audit accounting firm about the subsidy we do think that some members may be eligible. The key consideration is whether members were employed or could be employed by an entity that had an existing CRA Payroll account, often referred to as a RP account, on March 15, 2020. If you own or are associated with a company that has a payroll account and had that account on March 15, 2020 there may be a path to eligibility. Please see the bulletin from our audit accounting firm Hogg, Shain, & Scheck for more information.
AFM Freelance Fund Fully Subscribed
Our Federation launched a Musicians’ Relief Fund dedicated to freelance musicians, but as many other Covid-19 funds, it is now fully subscribed and our Federation has suspended the receipt of applications. Those who have submitted applications already are having their applications reviewed. We will let you know if our Federation is able to reopen the receipt of applications.
Musicians’ Performance Trust Fund Supports Streaming Concerts and Socially Distanced Live Concerts
The Music Performance Trust Fund, associated with our Federation and the major recording labels, has shown leadership and indicated they will be accepting applications for streaming concerts and socially distanced live concerts that respect social distance regulations. They will be supporting a small number of these events through a grant equal to 100% of scale fees. These could include performances from sidewalks or parking lots beside high rises or other socially distanced live performance ideas. We are accepting applications through our local. Please email Jay Boehmer, TMA149 MPTF Coordinator, with your ideas that consider social distance regulations and please discuss your existing relationships and resources that would help implement the idea.
Stage 1 and Stage 2 Openings
Please note as of May 19, 2020 Music Studios were included in the detailed list of businesses that can reopen under the Stage 1 Framework for Reopening our Province.
As of June 12, 2020 many other business can open outside of the Greater Toronto Area including the Simcoe Region in our local. Please see the Stage 2 Framework for Reopening our Province.
Safe Return to Work
As different parts of the community reopen, we are publishing our own recommendations as well as guidelines from our colleague organizations on the safe return to work in the recording and live sectors. Please visit this page for updates.
Mental Health Supports
As this crisis continues Mental Health is of greater and greater concern. Let’s support each other the best we can and know the Provincial Government has listed some great resources here.
Next Covid-19 Town Hall – Friday June 19, 2020 @ 10:00 AM
We are having our next Covid-19 Town Hall Friday June 19, 2020. We will discuss updates on government support. Please bring questions for fellow members and TMA149 staff about next steps in response and recovery.
Topic: Covid-19 Town Hall for Members
Time: Jun 19, 2020 10:00 AM America/Toronto
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83188742957
Meeting ID: 831 8874 2957
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Meeting ID: 831 8874 2957
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbBx0gJ5no
Recording of May 8, 2020 Town Hall
The recording of the May 8, 2020 Town Hall may be found here.
Suspension of Dues Penalties and Reinstatement Fees, Extension of Life Member Dues Deadline
In response to economic needs all of us as a collective membership have passed a motion to to suspend all late fees, penalties and reinstatement fees found in Articles 14 1(c), (2), (3), (4) and (5) of the TMA149 By-Laws. This means that if you fall behind on dues you will be able to bring your membership into good standing by simply paying for missing quarters. Further to provide relief for our longest standing and most senior members the Board of Directors has extended the deadline to pay for 2020 Life Membership from April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020.
TMA149 Health Benefits
Further, although no rule changes were required, the Board of Directors wishes to clarify that all members who have been diagnosed with, or tested positive for, Covid-19 may apply for support to the TMA149 Health Benefit and Extended Health Benefit, as well as the Federation’s Lester Petrillo Memorial Fund for Disabled Musicians.
TMA149 and CFM Office
Our office is physically closed and we are working from home. Although we are still accepting phone calls, mail and courier delivery, we ask that you access services by email whenever possible. Those working please do continue to send contracts, reports, dues and pension contributions. Please note the Canadian Office of the Federation is open for electronic services and accepting P2 applications by mail for those planning a post-Covid tour.
Covid-19 Update Archive
We are archiving these updates here, and there are other resources listed:
https://tma149.ca/covid-19-archive/.
New Website, Member Login and Lost Work Form
We have launched our new website and you should have received an email from “tma@bellnet.ca” with login details. Please check your junk mail from this past weekend if you cannot find the email. Once logged in you can update your instruments and other information for our directory and enter lost work due to Covid-19 in a form that will produce a form for your records. The lost work forms and information can be retrieved at a later time by logging in again. If you are having any trouble with login please contact Dennis Passley, Membership & Contracts Coordinator dpassley@tma149.ca.
Resource List
We also wanted to repeat and add to our list of additional resources:
Again feel free to reach out to myself or any of our office staff with specific requests including regular business inquiries.
In Solidarity,
Michael Murray, Executive Director
TMA149 COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines for Rehearsal, Live Performance, Sound Recording and Screen-Based Scoring
Based on guidance from AFM Local 47, Burbank, CA
November 12, 2020
The Province of Ontario has jurisdiction under the Occupational Health and Safety Act to set rules and regulations to keep workers, including performers, safe. Included in our guidelines are provincial requirements, current as of the above date, pertaining to music rehearsals, performances, and recording sessions. Wherever a conflict exists or may arise between our guidelines and the Province’s, the terms from the Province shall take precedence.
O.Reg. 263/20 and O. Reg. 364/20 are the most up to date regulation determining rules for performers from the Province of Ontario.