Membership and Contracts Coordinator
Full Time / Permanent 36.25 hours per week
2022 Salary – $726.84 Weekly / $37796 Annually
Employer Pension Contributions at 11.5% on top of Salary
Full individual or family Health & Dental Plan
Located at TMA Offices
Part of UNIFOR 2003E-50 Collective Bargaining Unit
Submit maximum one page CV and one page Cover Letter to operations@tma149.ca by Thursday April 14, 2022 @ 11:59 PM
Be part of a small team dedicated to serving professional musicians in the Greater Toronto Area. Toronto Musicians’ Association (TMA) is Local 149 of the Canadian Federation of Musicians (CFM) and American Federation of Musicians (AFM). Together with the CFM and AFM, TMA aims to serve 3,000 Toronto Area member professional musicians of all genres and backgrounds through organizing, promulgation, collective bargaining, and maintenance of agreements, as well as the development and delivery of services that improve musicians’ quality of life. TMA members are served by a professional staff and led by an Executive Director, who reports to a board of directors comprised entirely of local professional musicians.
This opportunity is to join the professional staff.
The incumbent in this role will have a primary focus of Membership Registration & Development. This position calls for multitasking with data tasks, while providing great service and information to past, current, and potential members, as well as staff and board, on the phone, through email and in person. Additionally, the role will look to communicate events and news from TMA and its members to the entire membership on social media and web. The role will also be expected to fill in for many of the other tasks listed below as part of a small team with an increasing emphasis on flexibility in order to best serve all musician members. TMA is in an exciting time of transition and is looking for team members who bring a motivated and flexible attitude while learning and contributing to positive change. If you believe in the power of music, respect the musician’s role in the creation, performance and recording of music, and respect a musician’s right to professional standards and quality of life, the professional staff at TMA is a great team for you.
Responsibilities
1 Membership Responsibilities (Primary focus)
1.1 Communicate with and support current, prospective, and former members and other stakeholders when asked questions, or when reaching out over phone, phone message, email or in person regarding:
a. Requirements for membership
b. TMA membership benefits
c. TMA contracting benefits; and
d. Any other information that may be reasonably known and/or for which training is given that would contribute to the member or stakeholder’s quality of life as it relates to TMA
1.2 Process and complete data entry of membership applications from the TMA website, the AFM/CFM database, or any other method as directed
1.3 Update TMA membership files on the TMA website, database and accounting software, the AFM/CFM database, and the MPFC database, when member joins, changes status, changes membership type, changes locals, resigns, is suspended, is expelled, is deceased
1.4 Process membership dues payments and refunds by all accepted methods of payment
1.5 Add, Edit and Remove pre-authorized payers and process and audit pre-authorized payments
1.6 Verify membership status for various stakeholders
1.7 Track, Reach out To and Follow-Up with Members and Non-Members on phone, email and social media regarding their current, past or future membership status
1.8 Maintain and track incoming and outgoing mail log
1.9 Manage small and large mail, email, and phone call distribution
1.10 Create various membership reports for accounting and reporting purposes at end of day / week / quarter / year / on demand
1.11 Prepare and provide, within required timelines, the following for Board Meetings, General Meetings, Orientation Meetings, Special Meetings, and Special Events
a. schedules,
b. agendas,
c. RSVP’s
d. minutes,
e. required documents,
f. attendance,
g. audio/visual support,
h. technical support, and
i. hospitality
1.12 Seeking proper authorization, process claims to:
a. Health, Welfare and Education Fund
b. Sick Pay
c. Members Assistance Fund
d. American Income Life Insurance Benefits
e. other funds as directed.
1.13 Check general phone messages and email messages, answer inquiries if able, or relay messages to best staff or board to address questions
1.14 Maintain and purchase office supplies, including hospitality supplies
2 Contracts Responsibilities (as needed)
2.1 Know and Understand TMA/AFM/CFM Contracting System and all Agreements, both negotiated and promulgated, that musicians may work under.
2.2 Analyze online and social media events, recordings and other data to detect and report on areas where covered work may be occurring that is not using TMA/AFM/CFM contracts, or not using them correctly.
2.3 Communicate with and support current, prospective and former members and other stakeholders when asked questions, or when reaching out over phone, phone message, email or in person regarding:
a. Requirements for contracts
b. TMA contracting benefits.
2.4 Analyze and process submitted contracts / payroll information from hard copies, email, the TMA website, the AFM/CFM database, or any other method as directed.
2.5 Enter Data from contract and payroll submissions into the TMA database and Update TMA contract files, in TMA physical files, and on TMA database and accounting software.
2.6 Audit automatic entry of information from contract and payroll submissions on TMA database.
2.7 Copy, send and assure review of contracts, forms and payments for stakeholders such as AFM/CFM and MPFC.
2.8 Educate self on potential activity that would require a contract and follow-up with engagers responsible for that activity.
2.9 Follow-up with engagers and / or leaders and / or contractors that:
a. Where a contract or payroll submission can reasonably be expected but has not been submitted
b. Where a contract or payroll submission is submitted but does not meet the requirements of the agreement they are submitted under
c. Where payments accompanying the contract or payroll submission are not what is required of the agreement they are submitted under
2.10 Invoice for and process work dues payments, and service fee payments and refunds by all accepted methods of payment
2.11 Add, Edit and Remove pre-authorized payers and payees and process and audit preauthorized payments
2.12 Process payroll for musicians if required.
2.13 Create various contract reports for accounting and reporting purposes at end of day / week / quarter / year / on demand.
2.14 Update TMA contract files, in TMA physical files, on the TMA website, database and accounting software, the AFM/CFM database, and the MPFC database, as required
3 Team Responsibilities (primary focus)
3.1 Answer general phone line, sit at welcome desk and host various stakeholders at in office and out of office meetings as required.
3.2 Sit on one board/staff committee and assist with membership, agreements, planning, operations support and reporting as agreed upon at that committee and under the guidance of the strategic plan and operations plan.
Qualifications
Knowledge of Musicians and Live Performance and Recording Sectors:
• you have knowledge of the professional music sector and music contracting in order to analyze, record and prepare documents, and explain procedures.
Administrative and Computer Skills:
• you demonstrate secretarial and administrative experience such as updating files, arranging meetings, completing travel arrangements, ordering transcripts, purchasing goods and services, processing payments.
• you are able to use social media, the web, database applications, computer equipment and related software such as Microsoft Office and Windows to complete research into musician activities, produce letters, memoranda, reports and to enter information into and maintain a database of members and music contracts.
• you design and maintain websites, ads, and other electronic design materials for the web and other applications, especially using Joomla.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
• you have excellent oral and written communication skills to provide information to musicians, staff, board, engagers, and other stakeholders.
• your interpersonal skills enable you to work effectively as a team member with minimal supervision.
Analytical, Judgement and Organizational Skills:
• you demonstrate initiative and good judgement by using appropriate methods of time management and organization in order to minimize mistakes and maximize the value of information in the analysis and recording of information.
• you are able to prioritize your workload while meeting conflicting deadlines.
Relationship Management and Communication Skills:
• you can provide effective consultation services and contribute to complex briefing notes and materials.
• you can develop and maintain strong relationships with members, staff, board, engagers, partners, agencies and other stakeholders.
Opinion Letter from Hogg, Shain and Scheck
re: The Canada Emergency Response Benefit and Self Employed Members
Notice of General Meeting
2017 ANNUAL MEETINGS
FRIDAY, MAY 26, 2017, 11:00 A.M. TMA Building Corp Annual Meeting 11:30 TMA Annual General Meeting
NORTH YORK CIVIC CENTRE (New Location)
COMMITTEE ROOM 3 (lower level)
5100 YONGE STREET, Toronto, ON (north of Sheppard)
LUNCH AND $20 PER MEMBER FOR PARKING OR OTHER EXPENSES WILL BE PROVIDED
Directions:
North York Civic Centre / Committee Rm. 3 / 5100 Yonge St. (north of Sheppard); Public Parking on Beecroft Rd. behind the Civic Centre
Subway stop: ‘North York Centre’ on the Yonge line.
Norm Amadio – Lifetime Achievement Award
Born in Timmins, Ontario, Norm made his professional debut at age 13, playing piano in a country music band. He had ideas of becoming an architect, but instead, influenced by the likes of Lennie Tristano, Art Tatum, and Bud Powell, left for Toronto at 17 to study with Boris Berlin at the Royal Conservatory.
He quickly emerged on the after-hours jazz scene at the House of Hambourg, worked with Chicho Valle and Jimmy Amaro, and later became a fixture at the Colonial Tavern, Silver Rail, Bourbon Street, First Floor Club, and George’s Spaghetti House. And, of course, the Town Tavern, where he led the house band during the fifties and sixties, backing many American jazz superstars: Roy Eldridge, Stan Getz, Coleman Hawkins, Zoot Sims, Bill Harris, Ben Webster, Lester Young, Chet Baker, Carol Sloane, Mel Tormé, Anita O’Day, Sonny Stitt, Clark Terry, Howard McGhee, Max Roach, Carmen McRae, Joe Williams, Dinah Washington, Irene Kral, and Bud Freeman.
One snowy night in 1956, when the rest of the band got delayed at the border, Miles Davis and drummer Philly Joe Jones played the Town with Norm, Ed Bickert, and Lenny Boyd. That year, he became the first and only Canadian to play at the original Birdland in New York City, opposite Duke Ellington. But he wasn’t happy there, saying that he preferred the “straight life” and that “coming back to Toronto saved my life.” He would, later in his career, perform in Switzerland, Eastern Europe and Japan.
The Norman Amadio Trio evolved from the 50s & 60s with Bill Britto and Archie Alleyne, through the 70s, 80s & 90s with Bob Price and Alex Lazaroff, and into the new millennium with Rosemary Galloway and Don Vickery.
Peter Goddard writes: “Reliability got him work. Unrivaled musicality gave him stature and clout. Jazz stars arriving in town wanted him. Or even needed him, as the veteran American singer Maxine Sullivan once told me.”
The Canadian and Toronto-based musicians Norm has worked with are too numerous to list, but include Tommy Ambrose, Don “D.T.” Thompson, Ed Bickert, Jack Lander, Moe Koffman, Guido Basso, Phyllis Marshall, Terry Clarke, Sam Noto, Debi Sander Walker, Jackie Richardson, Rick Wilkins, Neil Swainson, Reg Schwager, John MacLeod, Lorne Lofsky, Jerry Fuller, John McDermott, and Steve Wallace.
Norm was pianist and/or musical director for such CBC Television shows as Music Hop, Wayne & Shuster, Juliette, Hit Parade, Take 30 and Swing Gently, as well as TV specials with Robert Goulet, Al Hirt, Steve Lawrence, Kenny Rogers, Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson, Henry Mancini, Nelson Riddle, and the two-hour live CBC Special 100 Years of Canada, featuring the 40-piece Norman Amadio Orchestra.
Norm also had the house orchestra at the Royal York’s Imperial Room in the late 80s, backing stars like Peggy Lee, Eddie Fisher, Bobby Darin, Donald O’Connor, The Drifters, The Coasters, The Mamas and The Papas, Bobby Rydell, Tommy Tune and Phyllis Diller. At the O’Keefe Centre, Norm worked with Judy Garland, Paul Anka, Engelbert Humperdinck, Red Skelton, The Supremes, and Bob Hope.
Alex Barris writes that “musicians and singers… were quickly aware that ego played no part in his work” and “through the many years of playing for some of the most famous musical artists around, he [has] remained a modest, soft-spoken, totally professional musician.”
Norm says of his career: “I never thought I’d get to play with all these people, but… I had a ball!”
The Toronto Musicians’ Association is delighted to recognize Norm Amadio with our Lifetime Achievement Award.
Nominations Open for 2018 TMA Member of the Year & Lifetime Achievement Award
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
New Job Posting at TMA149
Membership and Contracts Coordinator
Full Time / Permanent 36.25 hours per week
2022 Salary – $726.84 Weekly / $37796 Annually
Employer Pension Contributions at 11.5% on top of Salary
Full individual or family Health & Dental Plan
Located at TMA Offices
Part of UNIFOR 2003E-50 Collective Bargaining Unit
Submit maximum one page CV and one page Cover Letter to operations@tma149.ca by Thursday April 14, 2022 @ 11:59 PM
Be part of a small team dedicated to serving professional musicians in the Greater Toronto Area. Toronto Musicians’ Association (TMA) is Local 149 of the Canadian Federation of Musicians (CFM) and American Federation of Musicians (AFM). Together with the CFM and AFM, TMA aims to serve 3,000 Toronto Area member professional musicians of all genres and backgrounds through organizing, promulgation, collective bargaining, and maintenance of agreements, as well as the development and delivery of services that improve musicians’ quality of life. TMA members are served by a professional staff and led by an Executive Director, who reports to a board of directors comprised entirely of local professional musicians.
This opportunity is to join the professional staff.
The incumbent in this role will have a primary focus of Membership Registration & Development. This position calls for multitasking with data tasks, while providing great service and information to past, current, and potential members, as well as staff and board, on the phone, through email and in person. Additionally, the role will look to communicate events and news from TMA and its members to the entire membership on social media and web. The role will also be expected to fill in for many of the other tasks listed below as part of a small team with an increasing emphasis on flexibility in order to best serve all musician members. TMA is in an exciting time of transition and is looking for team members who bring a motivated and flexible attitude while learning and contributing to positive change. If you believe in the power of music, respect the musician’s role in the creation, performance and recording of music, and respect a musician’s right to professional standards and quality of life, the professional staff at TMA is a great team for you.
Responsibilities
1 Membership Responsibilities (Primary focus)
1.1 Communicate with and support current, prospective, and former members and other stakeholders when asked questions, or when reaching out over phone, phone message, email or in person regarding:
a. Requirements for membership
b. TMA membership benefits
c. TMA contracting benefits; and
d. Any other information that may be reasonably known and/or for which training is given that would contribute to the member or stakeholder’s quality of life as it relates to TMA
1.2 Process and complete data entry of membership applications from the TMA website, the AFM/CFM database, or any other method as directed
1.3 Update TMA membership files on the TMA website, database and accounting software, the AFM/CFM database, and the MPFC database, when member joins, changes status, changes membership type, changes locals, resigns, is suspended, is expelled, is deceased
1.4 Process membership dues payments and refunds by all accepted methods of payment
1.5 Add, Edit and Remove pre-authorized payers and process and audit pre-authorized payments
1.6 Verify membership status for various stakeholders
1.7 Track, Reach out To and Follow-Up with Members and Non-Members on phone, email and social media regarding their current, past or future membership status
1.8 Maintain and track incoming and outgoing mail log
1.9 Manage small and large mail, email, and phone call distribution
1.10 Create various membership reports for accounting and reporting purposes at end of day / week / quarter / year / on demand
1.11 Prepare and provide, within required timelines, the following for Board Meetings, General Meetings, Orientation Meetings, Special Meetings, and Special Events
a. schedules,
b. agendas,
c. RSVP’s
d. minutes,
e. required documents,
f. attendance,
g. audio/visual support,
h. technical support, and
i. hospitality
1.12 Seeking proper authorization, process claims to:
a. Health, Welfare and Education Fund
b. Sick Pay
c. Members Assistance Fund
d. American Income Life Insurance Benefits
e. other funds as directed.
1.13 Check general phone messages and email messages, answer inquiries if able, or relay messages to best staff or board to address questions
1.14 Maintain and purchase office supplies, including hospitality supplies
2 Contracts Responsibilities (as needed)
2.1 Know and Understand TMA/AFM/CFM Contracting System and all Agreements, both negotiated and promulgated, that musicians may work under.
2.2 Analyze online and social media events, recordings and other data to detect and report on areas where covered work may be occurring that is not using TMA/AFM/CFM contracts, or not using them correctly.
2.3 Communicate with and support current, prospective and former members and other stakeholders when asked questions, or when reaching out over phone, phone message, email or in person regarding:
a. Requirements for contracts
b. TMA contracting benefits.
2.4 Analyze and process submitted contracts / payroll information from hard copies, email, the TMA website, the AFM/CFM database, or any other method as directed.
2.5 Enter Data from contract and payroll submissions into the TMA database and Update TMA contract files, in TMA physical files, and on TMA database and accounting software.
2.6 Audit automatic entry of information from contract and payroll submissions on TMA database.
2.7 Copy, send and assure review of contracts, forms and payments for stakeholders such as AFM/CFM and MPFC.
2.8 Educate self on potential activity that would require a contract and follow-up with engagers responsible for that activity.
2.9 Follow-up with engagers and / or leaders and / or contractors that:
a. Where a contract or payroll submission can reasonably be expected but has not been submitted
b. Where a contract or payroll submission is submitted but does not meet the requirements of the agreement they are submitted under
c. Where payments accompanying the contract or payroll submission are not what is required of the agreement they are submitted under
2.10 Invoice for and process work dues payments, and service fee payments and refunds by all accepted methods of payment
2.11 Add, Edit and Remove pre-authorized payers and payees and process and audit preauthorized payments
2.12 Process payroll for musicians if required.
2.13 Create various contract reports for accounting and reporting purposes at end of day / week / quarter / year / on demand.
2.14 Update TMA contract files, in TMA physical files, on the TMA website, database and accounting software, the AFM/CFM database, and the MPFC database, as required
3 Team Responsibilities (primary focus)
3.1 Answer general phone line, sit at welcome desk and host various stakeholders at in office and out of office meetings as required.
3.2 Sit on one board/staff committee and assist with membership, agreements, planning, operations support and reporting as agreed upon at that committee and under the guidance of the strategic plan and operations plan.
Qualifications
Knowledge of Musicians and Live Performance and Recording Sectors:
• you have knowledge of the professional music sector and music contracting in order to analyze, record and prepare documents, and explain procedures.
Administrative and Computer Skills:
• you demonstrate secretarial and administrative experience such as updating files, arranging meetings, completing travel arrangements, ordering transcripts, purchasing goods and services, processing payments.
• you are able to use social media, the web, database applications, computer equipment and related software such as Microsoft Office and Windows to complete research into musician activities, produce letters, memoranda, reports and to enter information into and maintain a database of members and music contracts.
• you design and maintain websites, ads, and other electronic design materials for the web and other applications, especially using Joomla.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
• you have excellent oral and written communication skills to provide information to musicians, staff, board, engagers, and other stakeholders.
• your interpersonal skills enable you to work effectively as a team member with minimal supervision.
Analytical, Judgement and Organizational Skills:
• you demonstrate initiative and good judgement by using appropriate methods of time management and organization in order to minimize mistakes and maximize the value of information in the analysis and recording of information.
• you are able to prioritize your workload while meeting conflicting deadlines.
Relationship Management and Communication Skills:
• you can provide effective consultation services and contribute to complex briefing notes and materials.
• you can develop and maintain strong relationships with members, staff, board, engagers, partners, agencies and other stakeholders.
New benefits for Toronto Musicians’ Association Local 149 Members
We are pleased to announce that as a member of the Toronto Musicians’ Association Local 149, you now qualify for exclusive group rates on your home and auto insurance through our new partnership with The Personal Insurance Company.
Whether on the road or in your home, we offer options to ensure you get the coverage you need at the right price. Since 1974, The Personal has been committed to providing exclusive group rates and customized coverage on home and auto insurance, and it has earned the trust of more than 700 Canadian organizations.
Switch to The Personal, and you’ll have access to:
Plus coverages for:
Get your exclusive group rates!
1-888-476-8737
www.thepersonal.com/tma149
P.S. – Enter The Personal 2016 My Winning Quote contest and you could win $30,000 for an eco-friendly home renovation. To enter, get a home or auto insurance quote!
The Personal refers to The Personal Insurance Company. Certain conditions, limitations and exclusions may apply. Savings and discounts are subject to eligibility conditions, may vary by jurisdiction and may not apply to all optional coverages. The terms and conditions of the coverages described are set out in the insurance policy, which always prevails. Auto Insurance is not available in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia due to government-run plans. Client comments were obtained from and approved by our clients and may have been translated from their original language.
No purchase necessary. Contest ends on December 31, 2016 and the draw will take place on January 16, 2017. There is one (1) prize to be won: the winner may select an amount of $30,000 (CAN) awarded in the form of gift vouchers to a home renovation or building supplier, exchangeable for eco-friendly products or eco-friendly renovations; or a cheque for $30,000 (CAN). The winner will be responsible for selecting suppliers — upon approval by The Personal —and coordinating all work. Chances of winning depends upon the number of quotes received and the number of policies in force with The Personal on December 31, 2016. The winner must correctly answer a skill-testing question to receive the prize. Full contest rules and details available at www.thepersonal.com/mywinningquote.
Music Director Jeanne Lamon is presented with the TMA Lifetime Achievement Award
Tafelmusik was joined on stage by Jim Biros, Executive Director of the Toronto Musicians’ Association, Local 149 of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada. Mr. Biros presented Music Director Jeanne Lamon with the 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Toronto Musicians’ Association (TMA). The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to a 20+ year TMA member who has demonstrated significant achievement in the areas of musical excellence, music education and/or public service through music, and whose contribution to the musical community has received significant public recognition. Past recipients include Guido Basso, Howard Cable…
– To view the rest of article & see pictures of award presentation visit the Tafelmusik website.
MROC May Have Money for You!
If you are a musician or vocalist who has performed on a sound recording released during the last 50 years, MROC may have money for you!
MROC pays musicians neighbouring rights royalties related to the broadcast and public performance of their sound recordings. This includes royalties from commercial radio, CBC radio, XM/Sirius and businesses such as fitness clubs and retail stores. MROC also distributes private copying royalties collected from the importers of blank media CD-Rs.
This is an additional stream of royalties to the one that SOCAN pays songwriters and music publishers. If you are a songwriter and a musician, you need to register with both SOCAN and MROC.
MROC is the only collective in Canada for musicians governed by musicians.
Visit www.musiciansrights.ca and register.
Or contact us…
Email: info@musciansrights.ca
Phone: 416-510-0279 (Toll Free) 1-855-510-0279
Mike Murley TMA Musician of the Year 2007
In the words of Toronto Star critic, Geoff Chapman:
“Murley always raises the level of the game around him, effortlessly innovative, polished and demonstrating technical skill that you take for granted.”
As a long time member of ‘Time Warp’ he founded Cornerstone Records in 1993 along with co-leaders Barry Elmes and Al Henderson. More recently Murley has collaborated as a co-leader and/or sideman in various groups with guitarist David Occhipinti, pianist David Braid, and saxophonist Tara Davidson. In January 2008 he released two co-led recordings, ‘DMBQ Live’ with the Davidson/Murley/Braid Quintet and ‘Day & Night’ with his former teacher, the legendary American saxophonist David Liebman.
Mike has toured extensively throughout Canada and internationally in Europe, South America, Asia, Mexico and the US with various groups. He has performed with many top international and Canadian jazz artists, including: Kenny Wheeler, Randy Brecker, John Abercrombie, Renee Rosnes, Ed Bickert, Guido Basso and Rob McConnell.
Mike joined the TMA in June of 1982.
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
Master Agreement Between Toronto Symphony Orchestra & TMA149 Ratified
The agreement brings increases in scale and electronic media compensation while allowing the orchestra to continue its pursuit as a top Canadian cultural institution. The fundamental driver of this agreement was the TSO Negotiations Committee made up of TMA149 members Camille Watts, Vanessa Fralick, Peter Seminovs, Gabriel Radford, Neil Deland, Jeffrey Beecher, under the leadership of Orchestra Committee Chair Shane Kim. They are an incredible example of respectively and persistently pursuing a better quality of life and music making for themselves and their fellow musicians.
Maribeth Solomon, 2019 Musician of the Year
by Lenny Solomon
My earliest memories of my fantastically talented sister Maribeth Solomon are of her playing Mozart impeccably on the piano. She was five.
Her talent, personality and wit kicked off her career with a number of touring groups while she was also a regular host on the CBC radio show ‘ 9:15 Alarm Clock ‘ co-hosted by the late Alan Thicke. This show is where she met and later married her musical partner Micky Erbe, also a fantastically talented writer, orchestrator and musician. Their company, Mickymar Productions became well known internationally for their wonderful music for TV and Film — and of interest — the many IMAX movie scores they wrote were produced by Maribeth’s great friend, the late pioneer Toni Myers.
Also a gifted songwriter, Maribeth has been recorded by Anne Murray among others and written songs for Babar and Care Bears animated movies.
I’m fortunate to have witnessed Maribeth in action; in the writing room, business office and recording studio where I contracted for her. Maribeth’s creative energy abounds. Anyone who has met her would agree that she is a delightful force to be reckoned with.
Together, Maribeth and Micky have written and produced in a wide range of styles including many large orchestral recording sessions. Nothing makes her happier than having the opportunity to hire the hundreds of Local 149 musicians over the years as she has. (Brian Barlow, former President of the TMA has been a stalwart since the beginning, as has Brent Barkman along with many other fine players.)
Here is a small sample of some shows she has scored:
Earth: Final Conflict (Emmy Nominated, Gemini Award), Nothing Too Good For A Cowboy, Street Legal, Side Effects, Adderly, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Struggle for Democracy, E.N.G. The pair has won four Gemini awards and many other nominations. IMAX films include: Hubble 3D, Under the Sea, Space Station 3D, Blue Planet, The Dream is Alive, Destiny in Space and Imax’s first doc North of Superior.
Maribeth has just recently completed all six seasons of music and the theme for the multi-Emmy Award winning CBC Netflix TV show Schitt’s Creek. Working with Brent Barkman and Micky she’s composed music for several games as well. Maribeth has always lived in Toronto and is a passionate and outspoken member of local 149 setting a formidable example to follow — a trendsetting musician, writer/ composer, business-woman and producer. I know her husband Robert Schwartz, daughter (and fine songwriter) Leah Erbe, dog Teddy and brother, yours truly, are very proud of Maribeth for this well-deserved recognition.
The Toronto Musicians’ Association is proud to honour member Maribeth Solomon with the 2019 Musician of the Year Award. She has been a member of the Toronto Musicians’ Association since she was a teenager and we are delighted to acknowledge her musicianship and contribution to the Toronto music scene by naming Maribeth Solomon 2019 Musician of the Year.
Listen to the Band & Walk with Us for Fairness in the 2017 Toronto Labour Day Parade
Lifetime Achievement & Musician of the Year Awards
The Toronto Musicians’ Association is delighted to recognize Dave Young & Jeanne Lamon with our Lifetime Achievement Award as well as the group Billy Talent with our Musician of the Year Award for 2012
The Toronto Musicians’ Association is delighted to recognize Dave Young with our Lifetime Achievement Award
Dave Young
Dave Young joined the Toronto Musicians’ Association in 1967, one of the rare bassists who is truly at ease swinging a bow or walking in a jazz rhythm section. He has been a member of the Edmonton Symphony, the Hamilton Philharmonic, and, in his home town, the Winnipeg Symphony.
At the same time, Dave has been a first call “go-to” jazz bass player since he arrived in Toronto, where he has gained a reputation as not only a great bassist but as a joy to work with. Highlights of his illustrious career include his work from 1961 to 1966 with Lenny Breau, and of course his 35-year association with Oscar Peterson, as well as performances with Clark Terry, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Zoot Simms, Oliver Jones, Kenny Burrell, Cedar Walton, Hank Jones, Nat Adderly, Peter Appleyard, Joe Williams, Gary Burton, Barney Kessell, Ed Bickert, Ranee Lee, Marcus Belgrave, Don Thompson, Kenny Burrell, and James Moody.
Dave has also recorded as a leader, including We Three with Phil Dwyer and Michele Lambert, Tale of the Fingers with special guest Cedar Walton, Mainly Mingus, and, with co-leader Phil Dwyer, Fables and Dreams, which won a Juno Award as Best Mainstream Jazz Album in 1994. Two by Two – Volumes 1 & 2 (1995 & 96) featured Dave in duet performances with jazz legends Oscar Peterson, Cedar Walton, John Hicks, Mulgrew Miller, Tommy Flanagan, Ellis Marsalis, Barry Harris, Kenny Barron, Renee Rosnes, Cyrus Chestnut, and Oliver Jones. His most recent CDs are Mean What You Say, released in 2009, and Octet Volume One (2012) with the Dave Young-Terry Promane Octet.
As a teacher, for many years Dave has been a member of the Faculty of Music at The University of Toronto. As a classical player, he regularly tours with clarinetist James Campbell and pianist Gene Di Novi. For many years, he has been an ongoing feature in both classical and jazz groups at the annual Festival of the Sound in Parry Sound, Ontario.
Dave was recently named a Member of The Order of Canada — our country’s highest civilian honour. Beyond the long list of accolades and acknowledgements, Dave is known for his pragmatic, realistic view of the music business, always ready to adapt, and to “put the music first.”
When not in the studio or on the stage, you will often find Dave Young playing a duo or some such with guitar or piano, in a small venue you might have discovered by accident, playing for the sheer enjoyment of it, surrounded by a small jazz-loving audience.
Putting the music first.
The Toronto Musicians’ Association is delighted to recognize Jeanne Lamon with our Lifetime Achievement Award
Jeanne Lamon
Jeanne recently announced that she will be stepping down as Music Director of Tafelmusik, an organization she has guided for over 30 years. In that time, the ensemble has put Toronto on the map as a centre of excellence in period performance. Under her leadership, they have travelled the globe, performing in over 325 cities in 30 countries across North America, Europe, and Asia, in venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Concertgebouw, and the Musikverein. With a discography of some 78 recordings — winning 9 Juno awards — on such labels as Sony Music, CBC Records, Analekta, BMG, Collegium, Hyperium, and now their own house label, Tafelmusik Media, they have shone a fresh light on a huge amount of repertoire, not just by achieving relentlessly exacting musical standards in everything they do, but by keeping the music relevant long after it was new. Jeanne was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 2000.
What makes Tafelmusik’s international success particularly remarkable is that so much of it was accomplished from an old church basement. Tafelmusik achieved greatness despite a lack of air conditioning, doors too narrow for a pair of timpani, a stage that needed to be torn down every Saturday night for church services, offices without windows, and a backstage area no bigger than a postage stamp. These obstacles were overcome in large part because Jeanne’s talent, passion, determination, and leadership ability allowed her to gather a critical mass of people with a common goal, whom she guided to become greater than the sum of its parts. That is truly a lifetime achievement.
It is leaders like Jeanne whose skills and vision create the institutions in our city that we as musicians depend upon for sustenance, both financial and — much more importantly — musical. Musicians are by nature dreamers, and we strive to communicate great ideas and emotions with notes. Some musicians, like Jeanne Lamon, are dreamers who cause their dreams to come true, and we are better for having them in our midst.
Thank you Jeanne, and congratulations on an exceptional journey!
Musician of the Year Award for 2012
The Toronto Musicians’ Association is delighted to recognize the group Billy Talent with our Musician of the Year Award for 2012
Billy Talent
Just find a style, so you can mimic
The tortured artist, the jaded cynic
The latest gadget, is just a gimmick
Another sucker, born every minute
“Surprise, Surprise” from Dead Silence — Billy Talent
Billy Talent
Billy Talent is a Canadian melodic punk rock, alt rock, post-hardcore band from Mississauga, formed in 1993 by lead vocalist Ben Kowalewicz, lead guitarist Ian D’Sa, bassist Jon Gallant, and drummer Aaron Solowoniuk.
TMA members since 2004, the band existed for almost a decade before starting to find mainstream attention. Billy Talent’s major label debut album, Billy Talent I found much commercial success and went three times platinum in Canada. Billy Talent II hit the shelves in 2006. It fared very well in Canada, landing at number 1 in its debut week on the Canadian charts eventually going two times platinum, selling over 200,000 copies. The album also enjoyed significant success in Germany, where it also debuted at number 1 in the album charts, and was one of the ten top-selling albums that year, going platinum there as well. The band’s fourth album, Billy Talent III, was also released in the United States through Roadrunner Records.
During their career, the band has toured extensively across Canada, the US, Europe, and Australia, and are currently wrapping up 22 headlining arena tour dates before heading to Europe for additional dates in support of their current release, Dead Silence.
Billy Talent has racked up an impressive list of achievements and accolades, winning 2 CASBY Awards for favourite new single and new album in 2004. The band has won two ECHO awards in Germany, for Best International Newcomer and Best International Rock/Alternative Album in 2007. Billy Talent has received a significant amount of recognition in Canada, winning 9 awards from 29 nominations at the MuchMusic Video Awards, and 7 awards from 17 nominations at the JUNO Awards. Overall, Billy Talent has received 16 awards from 46
nominations in Canada. At this year’s JUNO awards, they are nominated for the Fan Choice Award, Group of the Year, and Rock Album of the Year.
If you’ve seen the video on YouTube, you can’t help but marvel at the sight of over 100,000 fans singing along to “Viking Death March,” the first track released to the public from Billy Talent’s latest album, Dead Silence. Watching the mass celebration of this song is powerful enough, but the fact that the track had only been released days before the band hit the stage at the Rock am Ring festival in Germany is testament to the loyalty of the band’s fans around the world.
Letter to Mayor John Tory re: IATSE Lockout at Exhibition Place
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.
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.
Kirk MacDonald – 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award
Since moving to Toronto in 1997, he has performed on over 45 CDs, both as leader and sideman, and has participated in numerous national broadcast recordings for CBC Radio. He has performed extensively throughout Canada, as well as in the USA, Spain, France, Italy, Holland, Monaco, Australia, Korea, Bermuda, and the Bahamas. Over 90 of his compositions appear on 22 CDs, of his own and of other artists.
Kirk has built an extensive body of jazz reflecting both tradition and innovation, and has built a solid reputation as a player, having performed or recorded with leading musicians from all over the world. In 1992 he was declared Winner at the prestigious 4ème Concours International de Solistes de Jazz in Monaco; he has been nominated for National Jazz Awards Saxophonist of the Year three times, among many other nominations and accolades.
An educator for 27 years at jazz studies programs such as the University of Toronto and McGill, he is presently a full time professor at Humber College in Toronto. A member of the Toronto Musicians’ Association since 1979, he has received 11 Juno Awards nominations, winning in 1999 and again in 2015, for Vista Obscura.
The Toronto Musicians’ Association congratulates Kirk on his recent Juno, and we are delighted to acknowledge him with our highest honour — our Lifetime Achievement Award.
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
Jim Biros Comments on Status of the Artist Legislation
April 14, 2007
Jim Biros Comments on Status of the Artist Legislation
STATUS OF THE ARTIST LEGISLATION FOR ONTARIO
Following almost two years of artist and industry consultations, by the Ministry of Culture’s Status Of The Artist Sub-Committee, and the release of the Committee’s “Report On The Socio-Economic Status Of The Artist In Ontario In The 21st Century”, the Province of Ontario’s March 2007 budget contained a Status of the Artist Act that failed to address the needs of Ontario’s professional artists.
To say that the legislation was extremely disappointing is an understatement. The Status Of Ontario’s Artists Act, 2007 does not address collective bargaining rights, working conditions, protection for child performers, or any other economic and social benefits referred to in the 23 recommendations contained in the Committee’s report. The Government legislative undertakings contain no specific action with the exception of a proclamation that, “The first weekend wholly in June every year is proclaimed as Celebrate the Artist Weekend.”
What Ontario’s musicians and other artists will continue to work for and need is effective Status of the Artist Legislation which at the very least provides artists with the right to improve our economic, social and working conditions through collective bargaining.
Jim Biros, Executive Director
Jaques Israelievitch Life Achievement Award
Jacques Israelievitch is celebrating his twentieth and final year as Concertmaster of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra – the longest such tenure in the ensemble’s history.
As a conductor, Mr. Israelievitch has led the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic, Windsor Symphony Orchestra, and other ensembles in France, North America, and Japan. In 2005, he was named Music Director and Conductor of the Koffler Chamber Orchestra, the ensemble-in-residence at the Koffler Centre for the Arts.
He has recorded works by Ludwig van Beethoven and R. Murray Schafer with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, violin works by Edvard Grieg, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante. His CD “Suite Hebraique” was nominated for a Juno award. Other CDs include “Suite Enfantine”, “Suite Fantaisie”, “Suite Fran栩se”, and “Solo Suite”. Recently, he made a complete recording of the 42 Kreutzer Etudes, the first of its kind. The CD and the accompanying score have been praised internationally.
In 1999, Jacques Israelievitch and his son, Michael (a percussionist) formed the Israelievitch Duo. They have commissioned and premiered works by distinguished contemporary composers including Michael Colgrass, Srul Irving Glick, and Murray Adaskin. The CD “Hammer and Bow” is the Israelievitch Duo’s first full length CD. Upcoming releases include an all-French album with the Mirage Quintet for NAXOS Records and a brand new recording by the New Arts Trio, to be released in 2008.
Mr. Israelievitch is an accomplished chamber musician, performing with such distinguished artists as Emanuel Ax, Yefim Bronfman and Yo-Yo Ma. He is a founding member of the Toronto Symphony Quartet and is a Faculty Member of the University of Toronto and the Royal Conservatory of Music. During the summer, he teaches Violin Performance and Chamber Music at the Chautauqua Institution. He is also a member of the New Arts Trio, which has been in residence at Chautauqua since 1978.
In 1995, Israelievitch was honored by France with the title of Chevalier (knight) of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Literature). In 2004, he was made Officier (Officer) of the Order.
The Toronto Musicians’ Association is proud to honour our distinguished member Jacques Israelievitch with the TMA Lifetime Achievement Award.
International Boycott
INTERNATIONAL CALL FOR BOYCOTT OF OSB RECRUITMENT AUDITIONS IN LONDON AND NEW YORK
The administration of the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra (Rio de Janeiro) is organising recruitment auditions in London and New York, respectively on May 16-18 and May 20-23, 2011, in order to replace unfairly dismissed OSB musicians.
Positions are open in the following sections: violin, viola, cello, clarinet, trombone and piano.
FIM urges musicians around the world to refrain from taking part in these auditions, as it would result in taking the jobs of their unfairly dismissed colleagues.
All FIM member unions are therefore requested to circulate this call to their membership, thus expressing their solidarity with the ongoing struggle of the Musicians Union of Rio de Janeiro, SINDMUSI.
Don’t hesitate to come back to us, should you need any further information about the above.
Yours in solidarity, The FIM Secretariat
International Federation of Musicians
21 bis, rue Victor Massé F-75009 Paris
Tel: +33 (0) 145 263 123
Fax: +33 (0) 176 701 418
E-mail: office@fim-musicians.com
http://www.fim-musicians.com
In Response to the Public Draft of Ontario’s Culture Strategy
May 12, 2016
The Honourable Michael Coteau
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport
900 Bay Street. Ninth Floor, Hearst Block
Toronto, Ontario, M7A 2E1
Delivered Electronically
Dear Minister Coteau,
The following is in response to the public draft of Ontario’s Culture Strategy. On behalf of our over three thousand professional musician members in the City of Toronto, Peel Region, Durham Region, York Region, Simcoe County, Muskoka District and Parry Sound District I would like to thank you and your team for your efforts to create this plan and your efforts to bring the cultural community and Province together under a unified vision for culture.
1. The draft vision for culture in Ontario and the principles to guide government support for culture reflect much of what is important to us.
a. In the vision the notion of value resonates with us as it is what drives our association. We work towards a society and workplace where all professional musicians are valued for their many contributions.
b. The notion of inclusiveness mirrors our larger mandate to treat each other with respect and dignity no matter what ethnicity, creed, sex, age, disability, citizenship, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or national origin;
2. We especially appreciate and would ask for increased emphasis on economicdevelopment for individuals and communities, as the development of businesses, especially foreign-owned businesses often takes precedence in economic development conversations in the music sector.
a. Specifically, while we appreciate the increased support for the music sector through the Ontario Music Fund, we would like the Province to monitor and incentivize the fair payment of individual musicians as part of the delivery of the fund. We have had the experience that our members work for businesses supported by the fund has not increased since the advent of the fund. Our concern with government support and the work of government agencies in general, is advocating for a fair balance of investment in Ontario- based professional musicians, when compared to foreign-based services or non-artistic expenses and to partner with the Province to increase its vigilance in collecting and verifying this investment.
b. As a local of a trade union, our exclusion from being able to apply for support from OMF also hinders our ability to contribute strategically to Ontario’s culture sector
3. We are confident that Goal 2 – fuel the creative economy, will be successful, and we wish to point out the following areas that we see as especially strong, or in need of further attention for our members:
a. Despite our request to sit on the Ontario Live Music Working Group as a representative approved by the Canadian Federation of Musicians we have not been included and to our knowledge the group lacks any representation from associations dedicated solely to individual artists, or any arts sector unions. We would still be happy to represent on this group and help find more representation of individual artists and technicians working in the live music sector.
b. Our members are directly involved in the creation of film scores in Ontario for Canadian and world distribution and as such we would like to contribute to the discussions regarding film scoring and be included on the film and television industry advisory panel
c. It is especially exciting to hear that the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport will be working with the Ministry of Employment and Infrastructure as our single largest barrier to increased positive work environments for our members is our lack of inclusion as contract workers under the Employment Standards Act and the Labour Relations Act. Working with the Ministry of Employment and Infrastructure we are asking you to expand our inclusion either by changing the aforementioned acts as part of the Changing Workplaces Review or by updating the Status of Ontario’s Artists Act to include the content that helps govern relationships between cultural sector producers and distributors and the creative people that fuel their work.
d. Of course the strategy that most reinforces our work is that which states “engage federal, provincial and territorial culture partners on strategies to improve the socio-economic status of artists…” this is what we dedicate ourselves to every day and would be proud to partner in the pursuit of this goal. One immediate way to impact this goal, and perhaps another goal itself is for the Government of Ontario to commit to minimum fees for artists in all of its activities and the activities it invests in through the Ministry of
Tourism Culture & Sport and the agencies under the Ministry.
4. While we believe major amendments and additions to the Status of Ontario’s Artists Act are required, the idea of an Arts Policy Framework that at minimum outlines best practices for artist payment and other matters such as extended healthcare and retirement planning for artists is a major step in the right direction.
5. Lastly, understanding that the Province of Ontario has economic challenges the same as many jurisdictions in the world, and notwithstanding the stated goals to attract investment from other ministries and the private sector, we believe that increased public investment in the cultural sector through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and its agencies, especially Ontario Arts Council and Ontario Media Development Corporation, should be a separate and explicit goal in the strategy.
Through the draft we are already confident that the Government of Ontario recognizes the importance of a healthy cultural sector, and the importance of at least maintaining, if not improving the socio-economic status of artists. Considering the next generation of artists includes amazing creators and interpreters
from Ontario’s many cultural and Aboriginal communities, uses technology to create and disseminate in such a different way, and are vital to our future, it is so important that we do not lose, and instead gain ground for them and make life more livable for all artists in our great Province.
Please do not hesitate to call upon us for more feedback or as partners in the implementation of the strategy.
Sincerely,
Michael Adam Murray
Executive Director
Toronto Musicians’ Association
Local 149 of the American Federation of Musicians of United States and Canada
c. Ontario Legislative Assembly
Paul Miller, MPP, Hamilton East-Stoney Creek, Ontario NDP Critic, Tourism, Culture and Sport
Steve Clark, MPP, Leeds-Grenville, Ontario PC Critic, Tourism, Culture and Sport
Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Sport and Agencies
Maureen Adamson, Deputy Minister
Kevin Finnerty, Assistant Deputy Minister
Samantha Fox, Policy Advisor, Ministry of Tourism Culture & Sport
Peter Caldwell, CEO and Director, Ontario Arts Council
Karen Thorne-Stone, President & CEO, Ontario Media Development Corporation
American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada
Alan Willaert, Vice President from Canada, Canadian Federation of Musicians
Liana White, Executive Director, Canadian Federation of Musicians
Ray Dillard, President, Local 149, Toronto
Charlie Gray, Secretary, Local 149, Toronto
Robin Moir, Secretary / Treasurer, Local 180, Ottawa Francine Schutzman, President, Local 180, Ottawa David Knarr, Secretary, Local 226, Kitchener
Paul Mitchell, President, Local 226, Kitchener Steve Case, President, Local 276, Sault Ste. Marie Paul Leclair, Secretary, Local 276, Sault Ste. Marie Ted Peacock, Secretary, Local 279, London
Colin Stewart, President, Local 279, London Larry Feudo, President, Local 293, Hamilton Brent Malseed, Secretary, Local 293, Hamilton
Gordon Cleland , Secretary, Local 298, Niagara Falls Ryszard (Rick) Rybak, President, Local 298, Niagara Falls Allen Torrance, President / Secretary, Local 384, Brockville Grant Heywood, President, Local 418, Stratford
Stephanie Martin, Secretary, Local 418, Stratford Marg Conway, Secretary, Local 467, Brantford Kenneth Johnson, President, Local 467, Brantford Sue Moore, Secretary, Local 518, Kingston
Gene Richard, President , Local 518, Kingston Christopher Borshuk, President, Local 566, Windsor Lynne Wilson-Bradac, Secretary, Local 566, Windsor Garry Agostino, President, Local 591, Thunder Bay Norman Slongo, Secretary, Local 591, Thunder Bay
Eve Goldberg, Vice President from Canada, Local 1000
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.
Gene Dinovi Accepts TMA Lifetime Achievement Award
Fall General Meeting – October 27, 2017 – 11:00 AM – Northern District Library
Fall General Meeting
Friday October 27, 2017
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Northern District Library
40 Orchard View (Eglinton & Yonge) Room 200
Lunch & $20 per member for parking or other expenses will be provided
Dusty Kelly Named Executive Director of the TMA149
Dusty Kelly Named Executive Director of the Toronto Musicians’ Association
A new Executive Director began their term November 14, 2022 with a vision to improve the resiliency of Toronto’s professional musicians and lead the largest local of the Canadian Federation of Musicians to an inclusive, diverse, and supportive future.
November 18, 2022
The Board of Directors of the Toronto Musicians’ Association, Local 149 of the American Federation of Musicians (TMA149) has named Dusty Kelly Executive Director, effective November 14, 2022.
The TMA149 is the largest association in Canada, boasting more than 3000 members and functions as an advocate for fair working conditions and wages, facilitator of work visas for travelling musicians, and helps manage a robust pension fund and generous benevolent fund for the professional musician.
Covid saw a reduction in work of over 70% and reduction in working members by over 50%. membership is on track to meet or exceed pre covid levels by early 2023 and work is coming back having recovered losses by nearly 64% to date.
“The last few years have not only tested the resilience of the professional music industry, but brought it together in ways only dreamed of previously. I am extremely excited for our members to have someone with Dusty’s experience, imagination and drive to lead our organization back to full capacity and beyond,” says Andy Morris, president of the TMA149 board.
The TMA under Dusty’s leadership will continue to work toward increasing awareness and understanding with the municipal and provincial governments we operate under. We aim to improve its diversity of services and representation of the most diverse musical genre and cultural population in the country. We will also develop and nurture our membership through workshops, benefits, and labour advocacy.
Dusty shares, “Music is a vital component of Ontario’s diverse culture, an important economic driver that engages many talented musicians and artists from all walks of life and the Toronto Musicians’ Association has been representing and advocating for musicians for over 120 years.
The TMA is uniquely positioned to address the many challenges impacting musicians’ livelihoods and it is within this backdrop that I am looking forward to initiating dialogue with our many external stakeholders. Together we can develop inclusive strategies aimed at addressing inequity in our sector and bring about sustainable solutions that will lead to long-term prosperity.”
ABOUT DUSTY KELLY
Dusty brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the arts space including 5 years as secretary and business agent with the Vancouver Musicians’ Association, Local 145, and 21 years in a variety of administrative, contractual, and organizing roles with the Vancouver International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, Its Territories and Canada (IATSE) Local 891.
MEDIA CONTACT
Jaye Marsh, communications@tma149.ca
Doug Riley (1945-2007), 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award
Article by Charlie Gray
He was known as Doctor Music — or, around the Toronto music scene, “Doc.” In print, he was Doug Riley.
Photo credit: Don Vickery
Born in 1945 and raised in Toronto, having played the piano since the age of three, Doc graduated in music at the University of Toronto and studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music, then went on to do postgraduate work on the music of the Iroquois.
In his teens he played with the Silhouettes, a Toronto R&B band. In a 2006 interview with The Toronto Star, he said, “Ray Charles was my first influence, outside the boogie-woogie and stride pianists like Albert Ammons and Fats Waller.” In 1969, Doc was the arranger and keyboardist on Ray Charles’ album, Doing His Thing, on which Ray played organ, Doug played piano — and vice versa. Doug told me that when he was first called by Ray Charles to arrange and play on the album, he hung up the telephone — twice! The third call was from Rays manager who convinced Doc that the call was legitimate and not a friend playing a prank. He took the gig.
When Doc arrived at the airport, he was picked up by Ray and his chauffeur. They drove some distance, and arrived at a long driveway leading to Ray’s mansion. Abruptly, the chauffeur put on the brakes, got out of the car, and walked away. Ray Charles then took the wheel and drove the rest of the way. It was a favourite joke they enjoyed playing on new arrivals!
Doc was Music Director for Famous People Players for 20 years. During the same period he participated as arranger and musician on over 300 albums, in genres that went all over the map, and wrote hundreds of Jingles. Doug worked in or on productions with the Brecker Brothers, Measha Bruggergosman and Placido Domingo (arranging None But The Lonely Heart). He wrote three ballets for the National Ballet of Canada, scored six feature films, and played piano or organ with and/or arranged for Anne Murray, Jackie Richardson, John Roby, Danny B, Phil Dwyer, Bruce Cassidy, PJ Perry, Guido Basso, Bob Seger, Ringo Starr, Dione Taylor, David Clayton-Thomas, Tyler Yarema, Dianne Brooks, Motherlode, Gordon Lightfoot, Moe Koffman, Sonny Greenwich; he also recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra. Doug received Member, Order of Canada in 2003, also in 2003 Doug Riley and Guido Basso recorded a duo album A Lazy Afternoon.
From Guido Basso: “Doug Riley was a musical genius. His knowledge and ability encompassed a diverse range of musical genres from classical, ballet and opera to jazz, R&B and honky tonk. He was a brilliant composer, arranger, conductor and an inspired musician who could bring out the best in any kind of keyboard, from piano, to church or Hammond organ… and in any musician who worked with him. He was respected worldwide and his easygoing warm nature and ‘light up a room’ smiles are still sorely missed and fondly remembered by any who were fortunate enough to call him their friend.”
Through the 1970s, he founded and toured with the progressive jazz/rock band Dr. Music, which had Canadian hits. With Doc at its core, they recorded two albums: Bedtime Story and Sun Goes By. Other Riley albums include Dreams, From Canada With Love from 1976, and Freedom from 1990.
From Bruce Cassidy – member of Dr. Music: “Doug’s musical accomplishments are legendary, but his prowess was built on an insight into the building blocks of music and a love of life. His range of musical expression ran the gamut: from the raucous to the sublime, from the basic to the experimental. I enjoyed his respect as did everyone else who worked with him. I was floored by the care he took in the people he loved. Apart from the Dr Music incarnations, we played in each other’s jazz quartets and shared a fascination with the mystery of music making, musical curiosities and little known composers. I modelled my way with musicians after his… I miss you Doc.” Doc spent his last years composing at his home on Prince Edward Island and playing Festivals. Douglas Brian Riley died on August 27, 2007, while returning home from being a featured performer at the Calgary Blues Festival.
Decision on Tariff 22A
The Copyright Board of Canada released its Decision on Tariff 22A concerning royalties for online music use.
To learn more, visit www.socan.ca and look under “Front Page News.”
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.
December 20, 2020 CERB Update
Artist and Cultural Worker Associations, Unions and Guilds met with Government to discuss CERB Eligibility Issues
Associations, unions and guilds (“associations”) representing over 75,000 artists and cultural workers from across Canada met virtually on December 17, 2020, with MP Julie Dabrusin (Toronto-Danforth), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Matthew Gray, Policy Advisor to the Minister of National Revenue, and other representatives from the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Department of National Revenue. At issue, self-employed artists’ eligibility for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and the recent letter over 400,000 Canadians received from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
“We appreciate the time the government has taken to meet with us, share insights and answer our questions, but we still do not have general agreement on the eligibility of $5,000 income as gross or net of related expenses, and we would like the government to agree to gross earnings,” said Theresa Tova, ACTRA National Treasurer and ACTRA Toronto President on behalf of the associations. “Our members applied in good faith and we would like an official statement put out by government that eligibility will be based on gross income before cultural workers have to endure a difficult holiday season.
“The fact is many of the self-employed gig workers who have received these letters are among the most financially distressed people in our country,” Tova continued. “On average, artists’ annual earnings are between $12,000-$16,000 gross, and during the pandemic, when their secondary service jobs also disappeared, they continued to have significant expenses like any small businesses.”
The associations were seeking clarity and a change of CRA policy regarding CERB eligibility expressed in the CRA letter. The associations believe the published CERB eligibility requirement to show an income threshold was gross self-employment income, not net of expenses. While the meeting did not result in a commitment from the Government to change their policy or provide a clarifying public statement, a number of clarifications about the CRA letter were provided during the meeting.
According to Government officials at the meeting:
The associations and Government left the meeting with a pledge to continue to work together to provide additional clarification for communities. MP Dabrusin invited Canadians to contact their Member of Parliament for additional information on this or any other potential government benefit or program to see them through the pandemic.
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A complete list of attendees at the meeting is as follows:
From Government:
From Artist and Cultural Worker Associations, Unions and Guilds:
Lisa Blanchette, Director of Public Affairs and Communications, ACTRA National
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
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 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 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
Coronavirus Information for TMA149 Members – September 18 and 24, 2020
To our Members,
LightUpLive
On Tuesday 22 September, 2020, an hour after sundown, we are inviting our members to join technicians, suppliers and venues across the country to light up live events in red – raising awareness for an industry that is still dark.
Please view the LightUpLive website for how to safely participate.
#iMissLiveTheatreTO
At this time of year, the theatre, dance and opera sector would typically be celebrating the launch of the 2020-21 season. Instead the industry continues to feel the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
To raise awareness of the effect of the pandemic on the theatre, dance and opera community in Toronto we are inviting our members to join audiences, arts workers and artists in celebrating our vibrant cultural landscape.
We need your support to encourage all theatre, dance and opera lovers to participate. The #iMissLiveTheatreTO campaign officially launches 10:00am, Monday, September 21 with a LAUNCH VIDEO to kick off the week via the TAPA YouTube channel.
TAPA has created 3 Easy Options for You to Join the #iMissLiveTheatreTO campaign!
MAKE A VIDEO
POST AN IMAGE
DISPLAY A POSTER
The Proposed Canada Recovery Benefit – Updated to $500 per week
The proposed Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) has now been included in legislation that received its first reading in the house today. In the legislation, the benefit has been increased from the originally-planned amount of $400 per week to match the now ended CERB at $500 per week. The benefit as described in current legislation:
The full legislation after first reading (before any debate or changes) may be viewed here. The legislation may still be changed or the bill may not pass. If the bill passes TMA149 will keep an eye on information about how our members apply and get questions answered.
Speech from the Throne – highlights for our sector:
You may download the entire text of the speech here.
“the Government will work to target additional financial support directly to businesses which have to temporarily shut down as a result of a local public health decision.”
“the Government will launch a campaign to create over one million jobs, restoring employment to previous levels…using a range of tools, including direct investments in the social sector and infrastructure, immediate training to quickly skill up workers, and incentives for employers to hire and retain workers.”
“One way the Government will create these jobs is by extending the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy right through to next summer. The Government will work with businesses and labour to ensure the program meets the needs of the health and economic situation as it evolves.”
“Over the coming months, the EI system will become the sole delivery mechanism for employment benefits, including for Canadians who did not qualify for EI before the pandemic. This pandemic has shown that Canada needs an EI system for the 21st century, including for the self-employed and those in the gig economy.”
“This fall, in addition to extending the wage subsidy, the Government will take further steps to bridge vulnerable businesses to the other side of the pandemic by:
“Web giants are taking Canadians’ money while imposing their own priorities. Things must change, and will change. The Government will act to ensure their revenue is shared more fairly with our creators and media, and will also require them to contribute to the creation, production, and distribution of our stories, on screen, in lyrics, in music, and in writing.”
“Working with the provinces and territories, the Government will make the largest investment in Canadian history in training for workers. This will include by:
• Supporting Canadians as they build new skills in growing sectors;
• Helping workers receive education and accreditation;
• And strengthening workers’ futures, by connecting them to employers and good jobs, in order to grow and strengthen the middle class.”
“Important steps were taken with the release of Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy for 2019-2022, the creation of an anti-racism secretariat, and the appointment of the first-ever Minister focused specifically on diversity and inclusion. This is all good, but much more needs to be done for permanent, transformative change to take shape. The Government will redouble its efforts by….taking new steps to support the artistic and economic contributions of Black Canadian culture and heritage.”
Be Part of Changing the Performing Arts Industry. Take the Rosa Survey: The Change You Want to See
Aftermetoo, the Canadian Women’s Foundation, and Hill Strategies have released the first-ever national bilingual survey on workplace sexual harassment in the Canadian performing arts, film, and television industry. We want to hear your story. Safer workplaces in the performing arts industry are possible. The results of the Rosa Survey will be used to advocate for change. Take the Rosa Survey between September 21st and October 23rd.
Universal Basic Income
Universal Basic Income has become an important conversation for the arts in general and for political parties in Canada. Our Federation signed the letter asking for the Government of Canada to implement a Universal Basic Income for the arts.
Federal Advocacy for Financial Support
Please see our Federation’s Written Submission for Federal Pre-Budget Consultations and Submission to Canadian Heritage. While Parliament is prorogued you can still contact your Federal Member of Parliament to discuss the above recommendations, or additional recommendations.
Provincial Advocacy for Financial Support and Reopening Rules
These are the highlights of the TMA149 Submission to the Provincial Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs
TMA149 appeared before the Committee on Monday August 24, 2020 @ 5:00 PM.
TMA149 has also sent a submission to the Ontario Jobs and Recover Committee that the committee consider changes to Stage 3 Rules.
For clarity, our understanding is that the lowering of gathering restrictions on September 17 applies to unsupervised gatherings, whereas concerts and performances under the supervision of a venue, commercial producer, or community producer can remain at the original Stage 3 gather limits.
TMA149 has requested a meeting with Minister MacLeod to discuss both financial recovery and reopening rules along with a small group of working members. The minister’s office responded that the Minister is willing to meet with TMA149 and the musicians within the next three weeks and we will report on that meeting.
Canada Emergency Business Account
TMA149 did not highlight the Canada Emergency Business Account early in the pandemic, as it was not a match for the majority of our membership. Changes this summer make the loan program much more suited to many TMA149 members and we recommend you look into the program.
This $55 billion program provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits.
Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 25 percent (up to $10,000).
As of June 26, 2020, businesses eligible for CEBA now include owner-operated small businesses that do not have a payroll, sole proprietors receiving business income directly, as well as family-owned corporations remunerating in the form of dividends rather than payroll.
United States Citizenship & Immigration Service Ignores the Federation and its Partners – Increases P2 Visa Fees
Back in April our Federation joined with partners across the United States to call for the relaxation of visa rules and fees to support response to and recovery from the Covid-19 Pandemic. USCIS has ignored this call and has doubled down by increasing P2 Visa fees effective October 1. We know this could not come at a worse time and we have not given up advocating for more reasonable artist immigration to the United States.
Currently and for all applications on or before September 29 the P2 Visa fee is $460 USD. Beginning October 1, 2020 the processing fee is $695 USD. The expected processing time is 60 days. More information may be found on the Federation’s Canadian website, under work permits.
Also, our understanding is that those holding P2 Visas may be recognized as essential workers and may be able to cross the border for their work. That being said the quarantine requirements in the destination and back here at home would apply and therefore would make many US engagements impractical.
Next Covid-19 Town Hall – Friday September 25, 2020 @ 11:30 AM
We are having our next Covid-19 Town Hall Friday September 25, 2020. Please bring questions for fellow members and TMA149 staff about next steps in response and recovery.
Suspension of Dues Penalties and Reinstatement Fees, Extension of Life Member Dues Deadline
In response to economic needs our membership has 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. We are currently only able to make this offer until September 30, 2020 due to Federation restrictions, but we are in discussions to extend the offer. In addition, 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 remaining physically closed for the time being 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 by electronically, by mail or courier. 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
All Covid-19 Updates and other Covid-19 resources may be found here:
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 back in June from “tma@bellnet.ca” with login details. Please check your junk mail folder 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.
Always feel free to reach out to myself or any of our office staff with specific requests including regular business inquiries.
Coronavirus Information for TMA149 Members – October 16, 2020
October 10, 2020 Modified Stage 2 Reopening Rules
The City of Toronto and Municipality of Peel have been regulated to reenter a modified Stage 2 of the Province’s Reopening Framework, for a minimum of 28 days from October 10 to November 7, 2020.
This change is outlined in the following amended regulation:
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/200263
And summarized on the following website:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/reopening-ontario-stages#section-3
Further, TMA149 understands the following as it pertains to our membership:
This amendment comes into effect on October 17, 2020.
Areas of TMA149 outside of the City of Toronto (Durham, Simcoe, Muskoka, etc.) remain in Stage 3.
Canada Recovery Benefit – Applications Now Open – Bi-Weekly Periods and Thresholds
The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) has been enacted through legislation and is now open for application.
or
This means there is an obligation to keep records of earnings and expenses for each CRB period and know your average two week earnings in 2019 (total earnings reported on your 2019 tax return divided by 26 two week periods) and ensure that each two-week period applied for you have net earnings of less than 50% of your average 2019 two week net
There are additional eligibility considerations, including residency, that can be reviewed on the Government of Canada website.
Additional Benefits for Business – CEWS Extension and CEBA Increase
For members and their businesses that may be eligible for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA), the Government of Canada has announced additional support under both programs. Specific legislation and / or regulations have not yet been put forward to make these changes.
Ontario Together – Provincial Portal for PPE, Covid-19 Mitigation Ideas and Related Funding
The Province of Ontario has set up a portal to help businesses supply and source PPE, as well as receive ideas and proposals on how to mitigate Covid-19 while reopening the province. There is $50 million in funding available for approved projects through the portal, and the province announced $300 million in support for businesses affected by the re-entry into Phase 2 in certain regions, including our region, of the province. Additional details on how to apply for the $300 million announced are pending.
Reconnect Festival and Event Program 2020-2021 and Funding Reminder
The Province of Ontario announced the Reconnect Festival and Event Program to:
Remember that this program is additional to special and regular funding at Canada Council for the Arts, FACTOR, Ontario Arts Council, Ontario Music Investment Fund, Ontario Trillium Foundation and Toronto Arts Council.
Mental Health Supports
TMA149 wishes to remind our members of the mental health supports:
P2 Visa Fee Increase on Pause
Back in April our Federation joined with partners across the United States to call for the relaxation of visa rules and fees to support response to and recovery from the Covid-19 Pandemic. USCIS ignored this call and doubled down. Currently the P2 Visa regular processing fee is $460 USD. Beginning October 1, 2020 the processing fee was scheduled to increase to $695 USD. As already reported by our Federation, due to the political action of immigration advocates in the state of California, the P2 Visa increase and various other changes to immigration into the United States have been put on pause pending legal action. We will keep you updated and our Federation has put together a committee to formulate an ask of both the Canadian and US governments to relieve the burden of border crossing fees and wait times. TMA149 Executive Director Michael Murray is a member of this committee chaired by Federation Vice-President from Canada Alan Willaert, and including Canadian Office Executive Director Liana White, Local 547 Calgary Secretary-Treasurer Doug Kuss and Local 161-710 Washington DC President Ed Malaga.
Aerosols Research
TMA149 member David Pell has assembled this useful resource on the various studies looking at the risk of Covid-19 as it pertains to wind and brass instruments, and the spread through droplets and aerosols, with some perspective on vocalists.
Suspension of Dues Penalties and Reinstatement Fees, Extension of Life Member Dues Deadline
In response to economic needs, our membership has passed a motion 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. We are able to make this offer until December 31, 2020 according to current Federation guidelines. Please note members will still enter Suspended and Expelled status for unpaid dues, but the amount due to become a member in good standing has been lowered and relieved of penalties. In addition, 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 and CFM Office
Our office is remaining physically closed for the time being 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 continue to send contracts, reports, dues and pension contributions by electronically, by mail or courier. Please note the Canadian Office of the Federation is open for electronic services and accepting P2 applications by mail.
Covid-19 Update Archive
All Covid-19 Updates and other Covid-19 resources may be found here:
https://tma149.ca/covid-19-archive/.
Always feel free to reach out to TMA149 Board or office staff with specific requests including regular business inquiries.
In Solidarity
Coronavirus Information for TMA149 Members – November 16, 2020
Seeking Canada Recovery Benefit Clarification
Members have been reporting the following issues regarding the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB):
To address this issue TMA149:
Making Sense of Reopening Rules
The Province of Ontario released its new “COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open” on November 3, 2020 and it has been revised multiple times since that date. Under the current version of the framework most of our local is scheduled to enter ‘Control (Red)’ classification by November 16, 2020. In addition the Chief Medical Officers of the City of Toronto and the Region of Peel have made additional orders making the rules in those areas even more restrictive.
Here is a summary of the regions in our local and the level of restrictions as at November 16, 2020:
Protect (strengthened measures) – yellow:
Restrict (intermediate measures) – orange
Control (stringent measures) – red
Further, TMA149 understands the following as it pertains to our membership, for all levels other than lockdown, including the additional measures in Peel and the City of Toronto:
Advocacy Update
TMA149 and the Federation continue to advocate for musicians in the following areas:
Proposed 2021 Covid-19 Dues and Related Relief
In response to the acute negative economic situation faced by TMA149 membership the TMA149 Board of Directors is proposing a number of dues and related relief amendments to the TMA149 By-Laws. The proposed relief includes a reduction in discounted annual dues from $235 per year to $196 per year, and a number of other measures including the suspension of expelled status for as long as allowed for by our Federation. The proposals will be heard at the December general meeting, require approval of the members at that meeting, which all can attend, and require approval of our Federation’s International Executive Board.
Respectful Workplaces in the Arts Workshops
TMA149 is partnering with Cultural Human Resources Council to bring our members workshops on maintaining respectful workplaces in the arts. The Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC) project, Respectful Workplaces in the Arts, addresses harassment in the workplace, including sexual harassment, bullying, discrimination and violence. As a part of this initiative, this workshop will ensure that artists and arts organizations across Canada have the tools, resources and training to prevent harassment of any kind, and build respectful workplaces as the norm in the cultural sector.
For musicians identifying as Female and Non-Binary:
When: Nov 27, 2020 12:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this workshop:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAsfuiupz4sGNe0zguwaYP4WyBABd2BBKwa
For musicians of all identities:
When: Dec 1, 2020 12:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this workshop:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEpcqvqDosHNH51Gs42qAmI4qVmG6wpwHf
Learn About Ontario Second Career Grants
You can get new skills – those needed for jobs in demand now – and financial support when you qualify for Second Career.
Apply for up to $28,000 for costs including:
Attend an upcoming free information session provided by George Brown College.
Ontario Together – Provincial Portal for PPE, Covid-19 Mitigation Ideas and Related Funding
The Province of Ontario has set up a portal to help businesses supply and source PPE, as well as receive ideas and proposals on how to mitigate Covid-19 while reopening the province. There is $50 million in funding available for approved projects through the portal, and the province announced $300 million in support for businesses affected by the re-entry into Phase 2 in certain regions, including our region, of the province. Additional details on how to apply for the $300 million announced are pending.
Ontario’s Community Building Fund
The Province is investing $100 million over two years to develop a Community Building Fund that supports community tourism, cultural and sport organizations, which are experiencing significant financial pressures due to the pandemic. These organizations support community engagement, tourism and recreation through a variety of attractions, experiences, events and activities. Funding support would be available to not-for-profit organizations and municipalities, and the program will be delivered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) with two streams:
Assisting Ontario’s Arts Institutions
The government is providing one-time emergency funding of $25 million for Ontario’s arts institutions to help cover operating losses incurred as a result of COVID-19. This funding will help these organizations remain solvent and prepare for a time when they can fully re-open their facilities, resume full programming and welcome back their visitors and audiences.
Reconnect Festival and Event Program 2020-2021 and Funding Reminder
The Province of Ontario announced the Reconnect Festival and Event Program to:
Remember that this program is additional to special and regular funding at Canada Council for the Arts, FACTOR, Ontario Arts Council, Ontario Music Investment Fund, Ontario Trillium Foundation and Toronto Arts Council.
Mental Health Supports
TMA149 wishes to remind our members of the mental health supports:
P2 Visa Fee Changes
Back in April our Federation joined with partners across the United States to call for the relaxation of visa rules and fees to support response to and recovery from the Covid-19 Pandemic. USCIS ignored this call and doubled down. Currently the P2 Visa regular processing fee is $460 USD. Beginning October 1, 2020 the processing fee was scheduled to increase to $695 USD. As already reported by our Federation, due to the political action of immigration advocates in the state of California, the P2 Visa increase and various other changes to immigration into the United States have been put on pause pending legal action.
USCIS after receiving this decision did quickly move to increase premium processing fees.
We will keep you updated and our Federation has put together a committee to formulate an ask of both the Canadian and US governments to relieve the burden of border crossing fees and wait times. TMA149 Executive Director Michael Murray is a member of this committee chaired by Federation Vice-President from Canada Alan Willaert, and including Canadian Office Executive Director Liana White, Local 547 Calgary Secretary-Treasurer Doug Kuss and Local 161-710 Washington DC President Ed Malaga.
TMA149 and CFM Office
Our office is remaining physically closed for the time being 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 continue to send contracts, reports, dues and pension contributions electronically, by mail or by courier. Please note the Canadian Office of the Federation is open for electronic services and accepting P2 applications by mail.
Covid-19 Update Archive
All Covid-19 Updates and other Covid-19 resources may be found here:
https://tma149.ca/covid-19-archive/.
Always feel free to reach out to TMA149 Board or office staff with specific requests including regular business inquiries.
In Solidarity
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
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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
Coronavirus Information for TMA149 Members – January 26, 2021
All 2021 Covid-19 Relief Motions passed at the December General meeting. Regular dues of 4 or more quarters is now $49 per quarter or $196 per year as compared to $255 in 2020. You can now log in and pay dues at the new rates.
A reminder: As part of our 2021 Covid-19 plan all receipts, membership cards, and newsletters will be delivered digitally and not in hard copy format.
We invite those who are able to provide a payment equivalent to the difference between discounted annual dues in 2021 as compared to 2020 ($39) in support of TMA149’s Member Assistance Fund using Interac E-Mail Money Transfer sent to epayments@tma149.ca with “MAF Donation” in the description.
CERB Eligibility Update
Please view the following regarding Canada Emergency Response Benefit eligibility issues:
Aside from the above, TMA149 is not aware of any other government updates to policies in this situation. TMA149 understands that government’s current communication of policy will stand subject to any further amendments, but that the situation is still being discussed across a number of Departments in government.
Ontario Declaration of Emergency
A declaration of emergency was made on January 12, 2021 for all of Ontario. As a result enhanced public health and workplace safety measures are anticipated to be in place until at least February 11, 2021.
The Province has released a guidance document: Enhancing Public Health and Workplace Safety Measures in the Provincewide Shutdown
In the guidance document businesses that are permitted to open:
The following are not listed as businesses permitted to open:
Learn About Ontario Second Career Grants
Some members may qualify for Second Career grants.
From direct member experience TMA149 has learned the following regarding Second Career grants:
Ontario Small Business Support Grant
Applications are open for the new Ontario Small Business Support Grant, which helps small businesses that are required to close or significantly restrict services under the Provincewide Shutdown effective December 26, 2020.
Starting at $10,000 for all eligible businesses, the grant provides businesses with funding to a maximum of $20,000 to help cover decreased revenue expected as a result of the Provincewide Shutdown.
Businesses will have to have a business number in order to be eligible. If a business does not have a business number, they will be directed to apply for a business number before they can proceed with their application.
Mental Health Supports
TMA149 wishes to remind our members of the mental health supports:
P2 Visa Fee Changes
Back in April our Federation joined with partners across the United States to call for the relaxation of visa rules and fees to support response to and recovery from the Covid-19 Pandemic. USCIS ignored this call and doubled down. Currently the P2 Visa regular processing fee is $460 USD. Beginning October 1, 2020 the processing fee was scheduled to increase to $695 USD. As already reported by our Federation, due to the political action of immigration advocates in the state of California, the P2 Visa increase and various other changes to immigration into the United States have been put on pause pending legal action.
USCIS after receiving this decision did quickly move to increase premium processing fees.
We will keep you updated and our Federation has put together a committee to formulate an ask of both the Canadian and US governments to relieve the burden of border crossing fees and wait times. TMA149 Executive Director Michael Murray is a member of this committee chaired by Federation Vice-President from Canada Alan Willaert, and including Canadian Office Executive Director Liana White, Local 547 Calgary Secretary-Treasurer Doug Kuss and Local 161-710 Washington DC President Ed Malaga.
Next Town Hall – Monday Friday January 29, 2021 @ 10:00 AM
We are having our next Covid-19 Town Hall Friday January 29, 2021 @ 10:00 AM. Please bring questions for fellow members and TMA149 staff.
Topic: TMA149 Town Hall
Time: Jan 29, 2021 10:00 AM America/Toronto
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82529488885
Meeting ID: 825 2948 8885
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Meeting ID: 825 2948 8885
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcOSetoQc8
TMA149 and CFM Office
Our office is remaining physically closed for the time being 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 continue to send contracts, reports, dues and pension contributions electronically, by mail or by courier. Please note the Canadian Office of the Federation is open for electronic services and accepting P2 applications by mail.
Covid-19 Update Archive
All Covid-19 Updates and other Covid-19 resources may be found here:
https://tma149.ca/covid-19-archive/.
Always feel free to reach out to TMA149 Board or office staff with specific requests including regular business inquiries.
In Solidarity
Coronavirus Information for TMA149 Members – December 15, 2020
In this update:
As first published in Crescendo in November, TMA149 is holding a General Meeting this Friday.
Motions to be discussed and voted upon include:
2021 Covid-19 Motion 1 of 6 – Dues Relief and Restructure
2021 Covid-19 Motion 2 of 6 – Expelled Status Relief
2021 Covid-19 Motion 3 of 6 –Reinstatement Relief
2021 Covid-19 Motion 4 of 6 –Work Dues Relief for Music Lessons
The full agenda and other motions are in the December Crescendo.
If you need help with setting up your technology please contact Scott Harrison, Business Representative (and resident Zoom Tech).
Connect on mobile or computer to fully participate and vote:
Topic: TMA149 General Meeting
Time: Dec 18, 2020 11:00 AM America/Toronto
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86119168708
Meeting ID: 861 1916 8708
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+16475580588,,86119168708# Canada
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+1 647 374 4685 Canada
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+1 778 907 2071 Canada
+1 438 809 7799 Canada
+1 587 328 1099 Canada
Meeting ID: 861 1916 8708
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kqff5d4R
We are appreciative of the Federal Government’s leadership in supporting self-employed persons through the pandemic by implementing the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (the “CERB”). These benefits have been, and continue to be, a lifeline for many of our members. Unfortunately many members have received a letter from the Canada Revenue Agency (the “CRA”) stating the CRA cannot confirm the member’s eligibility for CERB amounts already received (the “Eligibility Letter”). As a whole, the Eligibility Letter is most easily understood as a request to repay all amounts received under the CERB.
The key consideration in the Eligibility Letter is that CRA is asserting that the $5,000 of self-employment income threshold to determine up front eligibility must be net of expenses, not gross.
Please talk to your accounting professional if you have received this letter.
In the meantime TMA149 has coordinated an approach to government joined by unions and guilds representing more than 75,000 arts and culture workers, to ask that the government reconsider the terms of the Eligibility Letter. We are not asking that members reinforce this approach with their own action given the sensitive nature of the issue. We will share the response of government if and when it is received.
The Province of Ontario released its new “COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open” on November 3, 2020 and it has been revised multiple times since that date.
You can find your region and its level of restrictions here.
Further, TMA149 understands the following as it pertains to our membership, for all levels including lockdown.
For members who wish to stream their performances to the public, or are hired by community organizations, businesses, schools or institutions to do so, here are some guidelines we would like you to read:
For help with any of the above contact our staff.
TMA149 and the Federation continue to advocate for musicians in the following areas:
Learn About Ontario Second Career Grants
You can get new skills – those needed for jobs in demand now – and financial support when you qualify for Second Career.
Apply for up to $28,000 for costs including:
Attend an upcoming free information session provided by George Brown College.
The Province of Ontario has set up a portal to help businesses supply and source PPE, as well as receive ideas and proposals on how to mitigate Covid-19 while reopening the province. There is $50 million in funding available for approved projects through the portal, and the province announced $300 million in support for businesses affected by the re-entry into Phase 2 in certain regions, including our region, of the province. Additional details on how to apply for the $300 million announced are pending.
Reconnect Festival and Event Program 2020-2021 and Funding Reminder
The Province of Ontario announced the Reconnect Festival and Event Program to:
Remember that this program is additional to special and regular funding at Canada Council for the Arts, FACTOR, Ontario Arts Council, Ontario Music Investment Fund, Ontario Trillium Foundation and Toronto Arts Council.
Mental Health Supports
TMA149 wishes to remind our members of the mental health supports:
P2 Visa Fee Changes
Back in April our Federation joined with partners across the United States to call for the relaxation of visa rules and fees to support response to and recovery from the Covid-19 Pandemic. USCIS ignored this call and doubled down. Currently the P2 Visa regular processing fee is $460 USD. Beginning October 1, 2020 the processing fee was scheduled to increase to $695 USD. As already reported by our Federation, due to the political action of immigration advocates in the state of California, the P2 Visa increase and various other changes to immigration into the United States have been put on pause pending legal action.
USCIS after receiving this decision did quickly move to increase premium processing fees.
We will keep you updated and our Federation has put together a committee to formulate an ask of both the Canadian and US governments to relieve the burden of border crossing fees and wait times. TMA149 Executive Director Michael Murray is a member of this committee chaired by Federation Vice-President from Canada Alan Willaert, and including Canadian Office Executive Director Liana White, Local 547 Calgary Secretary-Treasurer Doug Kuss and Local 161-710 Washington DC President Ed Malaga.
Next Town Hall – Monday December 21, 2020 @ 10:00 AM
We are having our next Covid-19 Town Hall Monday December 21, 2020 @ 10:00 AM. Please bring questions for fellow members and TMA149 staff.
Topic: TMA149 Town Hall
Time: Dec 21, 2020 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84043916518
Meeting ID: 840 4391 6518
One tap mobile
+16473744685,,84043916518# Canada
+16475580588,,84043916518# Canada
Dial by your location
+1 647 374 4685 Canada
+1 647 558 0588 Canada
+1 778 907 2071 Canada
+1 438 809 7799 Canada
+1 587 328 1099 Canada
Meeting ID: 840 4391 6518
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/key2kiriIm
TMA149 and CFM Office
Our office is remaining physically closed for the time being 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 continue to send contracts, reports, dues and pension contributions electronically, by mail or by courier. Please note the Canadian Office of the Federation is open for electronic services and accepting P2 applications by mail.
Covid-19 Update Archive
All Covid-19 Updates and other Covid-19 resources may be found here:
https://tma149.ca/covid-19-archive/.
Always feel free to reach out to TMA149 Board or office staff with specific requests including regular business inquiries.
In Solidarity
Coronavirus Information for TMA149 Members – August 20 and 21, 2020
To our Members,
Canada Emergency Response Benefit Extension
The Government of Canada has announced that eligibility for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will be extended from maximum 24 weeks of support to maximum 28 weeks of support. Our understanding is that the extension is made possible by regulation versus parliamentary approval, and therefore the extension can happen without a sitting parliament. The extension will allow those who have received support in all six CERB periods thus far to also receive support in Period 7 (August 30 – September 26) if they meet the other existing eligibility requirements. As you will see in the announcement, the Government’s plan is to propose and pass new benefits, deemed “Recovery” benefits, instead of further extending the CERB beyond Period 7.
Three New Recovery Benefits that Require Parliamentary Approval
In the same announcement the Government of Canada shared three planned Recovery benefits, that will require matching legislation to be tabled, debated and approved in Parliament, prior to taking effect.
These benefits do not meet all of our Federation’s goals in recovery, but they go along way in addressing our main goals. If you are still in communication with your MP it would be helpful to express your opinion of the newly announced benefits during your next point of communication.
Federal Advocacy for Financial Support
These are the highlights of Our Federation’s Written Submission for Federal Pre-Budget Consultations
OR: That the government extend the CERB (as above) and restrict the extension to entertainment workers.
AND: That the government extend the CERB (under either of the above scenarios), and increase the $1,000 monthly non-penalized earnings, with a gradual claw-back of benefits, rather than termination of the benefit if the maximum earnings are exceeded.
While Parliament is prorogued you can still contact your Federal Member of Parliament to discuss the above recommendations, or additional recommendations.
Provincial Advocacy for Financial Support
These are the highlights of the TMA149 Submission to the Provincial Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs
TMA149 is scheduled to appear before the Committee on Monday August 24, 2020 @ 5:00 PM.
Please consider contacting your Member of Provincial Parliament to discuss the above recommendations, or additional recommendations.
Canada Emergency Business Account
TMA149 did not highlight the Canada Emergency Business Account early in the pandemic, as it was not a match for the majority of our membership. Changes this summer make the loan program much more suited to many TMA149 members and we recommend you look into the program.
This $55 billion program provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits.
Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 25 percent (up to $10,000).
As of June 26, 2020, businesses eligible for CEBA now include owner-operated small businesses that do not have a payroll, sole proprietors receiving business income directly, as well as family-owned corporations remunerating in the form of dividends rather than payroll.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
For those receiving or interested in the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy(CEWS), the extension of the CEWS was passed prior to Parliament being prorogued, and the rules loosened for periods 4 through 7. The key consideration for eligibility 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. After changes made to the program in July companies using a 3rd party payroll company as the employer of record may be eligible. Please see the bulletin from the accounting firm BDO Canada for more information.
Ontario Stage 3 Reopening Guidelines
Our entire local has entered Stage 3 of “A Framework for Reopening our Province” and we would like to highlight TMA149’s understanding of Stage 3 Rules and Regulations as they apply to live musical performance:
Here is a summary of our understanding of the key Stage 3 regulations for our members:
TMA149 Request for Changes to Stage 3 Reopening Guidelines
TMA149 has sent a submission to the Ontario Jobs and Recover Committee that the committee consider the following regarding Stage 3 Rules and Regulations:
Increasing gathering limits under the above conditions would allow for performances to become more economically viable than under current restrictions. TMA149 will be following up with similar and further requests of the City of Toronto in coming days.
Crowded Out – An Abacus Study commissioned by Music Canada on the Impact of Covid-19 on Musicians
Music Canada commissioned Abacus Data to study the impact of the pandemic on musicians’ lives, art, and, work. According to the national survey of over 700 professional musicians most respondents say that the number of bookings so far for 2021 is lower than usual, and many don’t expect a quick return to the stage – either because of government restrictions or personal discomfort performing while the risk of the virus exists.
TMA149 COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines
We want to acknowledge that our membership may be uncomfortable returning to their work as professional musicians due to health and safety concerns. No matter what your level of comfort every musician deserves a safe and healthy work environment, free of harassment. That is why we worked with provincial and municipal guidelines, and with guidelines developed with health professionals and musicians from Local 47 of our Federation in Burbank, California, to create a distinct set of TMA149 Covid-19 Health & Safety Guidelines. Please share and discuss these guidelines with your fellow musicians, the leaders and contractors on your engagements, and if you are comfortable, with your engagers.
The guidelines are divided into the following four areas:
While many of these responsibilities remain with the venue and / or engager under the Occupational Health & Safety Act, including the supply of any special equipment or barriers, members have an obligation to cooperate and make workplaces as safe and healthy as possible.
Ontario Arts Council Launches Arts Response Initiative
The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) has opened applications to its Arts Response Initiative(ARI) to help Ontario artists and arts organizations respond to challenges posed by the pandemic. Funding of $4,000 for individual artists, $15,000 for collectives and organizations and $30,000 for partnerships is available for one-time specialized support. For more information visit the OAC Website’s ARI page.
City of Toronto Launches $2 million Partnership in Support of Black Music Professionals
Mayor John Tory announced a $2 million partnership between the City of Toronto, the Slaight Family Foundation and Advance, Canada’s Black Music Business Collective, to support the entry, retention and advancement of Black professionals in Toronto’s music industry.
Streamed Performances Part 1 – TMA149 and CFM/AFM Streaming Agreements – Tamizdat Resource – MPTF Support
We are aware that more than ever members wish to perform for live streams and on-demand streams to support their careers, to connect with their audience, and to create an income source at this difficult time. These streams may be self-produced or at the request of a live or media engager. The following are considerations before you produce a stream or agree to perform for a stream:
TMA149 and CFM/AFM Streaming Agreements
There are various agreements that have been promulgated or negotiated by our Federation for streaming to ensure musicians are paid fairly and have their rights protected when performing on a stream. We find at this time the two most useful agreements for independent streaming are:
Tamizdat Streaming Resource – The Legal Landscape of Live Streaming
Our partner in advocating for fair musician immigration (more on that next), Tamizdat, has released a guide to the legal landscape in copyright for streaming, as well as some platform and monetization options. While we do not support everything in the document we do believe it is a useful resource for members. In Part 2 we will be working with Rob DeVito from Society of Sound on a Made in Canada resource guide.
Music Performance Trust Fund Supports Streaming Concerts
The Music Performance Trust Fund, associated with our Federation and the major recording labels, is now accepting applications for streaming concerts that are free and open to the public. This is in addition to the regular support for live concerts that are free and open to the public. They will be supporting a small number of these events through a grant equal to 100% of scale fees under TMA149 / CFM / AFM agreements due to musicians. We are accepting applications through our local. Please email Jay Boehmer, TMA149 MPTF Coordinator, with your ideas for streamed or live performances that are worthy of support.
United States Citizenship & Immigration Service Ignores the Federation and its Partners – Increases P2 Visa Fees
Back in April our Federation joined with partners across the United States to call for the relaxation of visa rules and fees to support response to and recovery from the Covid-19 Pandemic. USCIS has ignored this call and has doubled down by increasing P2 Visa fees effective October 1. We know this could not come at a worse time and we have not given up advocating for more reasonable artist immigration to the United States. Stay tuned for next steps.
Currently and for all applications on or before September 29 the P2 Visa fee is $460 USD. Beginning October 1, 2020 the processing fee is $695 USD. The expected processing time is 60 days. More information may be found on the Federation’s Canadian website, under work permits.
Next Covid-19 Town Hall – Friday August 28, 2020 @ 10:00 AM
We are having our next Covid-19 Town Hall Friday August 28, 2020. Please bring questions for fellow members and TMA149 staff about next steps in response and recovery.
Suspension of Dues Penalties and Reinstatement Fees, Extension of Life Member Dues Deadline
In response to economic needs our membership has 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. We are currently only able to make this offer until September 30, 2020 due to Federation restrictions, but we are in discussions to extend the offer. In addition, 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 remaining physically closed for the time being 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 by electronically, by mail or courier. 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
All Covid-19 Updates and other Covid-19 resources may be found here:
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 back in June from “tma@bellnet.ca” with login details. Please check your junk mail folder 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.
Always 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 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
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+1 587 328 1099 Canada
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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 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
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
Conductor Victor Feldbrill: A Lifetime of Achievements
by Dr. Réa Beaumont
v febrill press releaseBorn in Toronto in 1924, Maestro Feldbrill first joined the Toronto Musicians’ Association at age 16 when he was contracted as a violinist to perform in the High Time Orchestra for a CFRB radio broadcast of music by a fellow TMA member, the composer and producer Howard Cable. With an early start as a violinist in the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Feldbrill began a 62-year relationship with the orchestra that he guest conducted at age 18, later becoming its Resident Conductor (1973-76). He founded the Canadian Chamber Players (1952), was Acting Music Director of Orchestra London Canada (1979-1981), led the National Arts Centre Orchestra in a cross-Canada tour (1992), was Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Hamilton Symphony Orchestra (1990-96), and guest conducted the CBC Orchestra on nineteen occasions.
Beyond the Canadian borders, Feldbrill’s growing stature led to an international career and he was appointed Principal Conductor of Tokyo’s Geidai Philharmonia (1982-87) as a professor at Tokyo University of the Arts. He continued to receive invitations to guest conduct in China, the Philippines, the former Soviet Union (1963, 1966), and throughout Europe, including concerts for the BBC from 1957 onward.
Feldbrill’s long and illustrious career was not without its difficulties, however, and few people are aware that he has always been a strong advocate of ensuring that musicians receive adequate financial support. As part of his contract negotiations with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra in 1958, he stipulated that professional musicians would have to be recognized for their work. As a result — and after many negotiations — the bulk of the WSO were given 26-week contracts for the first time. He also conducted the National Arts Centre Orchestra in support of its 1989 strike concerts, despite warnings from management.
Feldbrill has consistently supported Canadian composers. In his ten seasons as Music Director and Principal Conductor of the WSO (1958-68), he programmed works by Harry Somers, John Weinzweig, Barbara Pentland, Clermont Pépin, and S.C. Eckhardt-Gramatté, to name a few. Although the Canadian compositions met with opposition from the WSO board, they proved to be acceptable to the audience at large, with proof being that they did not affect the box office. He also programmed works by Prokofiev, Stravinsky, Shostakovich, Copland and others, to ensure that Canadian audiences would experience some of the greatest music of their time.
For Canada’s centennial, Feldbrill premièred the Canadian Opera Company’s performances of the country’s most famous opera, Harry Somers’ Louis Riel (1967), which Feldbrill describes as “a masterpiece.” Following one of the performances, the Canadian League of Composers surprised him with the first Canada Music Citation on stage at Toronto’s O’Keefe Centre.
Most classical musicians in Canada have either performed under Feldbrill’s leadership or heard the maestro at work, partly as a result of his dedication to training young musicians, including the University of Toronto Symphony Orchestra (1968-82), Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra (founder, conductor 1974-78), and the National Youth Orchestra of Canada (resident conductor, 1960-62, 1964, 1969, 1975). For his work with young musicians, he was awarded the City of Tokyo medal (1978) and became the first Canadian to receive an American Concert Guild Award (1964). Previously a faculty member for fourteen years and head of its Orchestral and Conducting Department (1968-1982), Feldbrill returned to the University of Toronto Faculty of Music last year as the recipient of the Distinguished Visitor Award where he led the orchestra in concert and taught the department’s conducting majors.
Perhaps Maestro Feldbrill’s greatest achievement is his reputation as an esteemed yet respectful conductor committed to attaining the highest musical standards. He developed a strong vision for present and future generations of Canadians musicians, insisting that they receive the finest training to take their place alongside international artists.
On April 4, Feldbrill will celebrate his 90th birthday. His remarkable talent continues to be recognized with awards from composers, educators, and governments, which he describes as “gratifying.” He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada (1986), received the Order of Ontario (1999), an Honorary LLD from Brock University (1991), Honorary FRHCM (1978), and the inaugural Roy Thomson Hall Award (1985). This year the Royal Conservatory of Music named him an Honorary Fellow (2014) for his “extraordinary contributions” to music in Canada, and the historic Arts and Letters Club is awarding him the Sir Ernest MacMillan Honorary Membership for Music (2014).
The Toronto Musicians’ Association is pleased to announce that on May 25th, 2014, Maestro Victor Feldbrill will receive the Association’s highest honour, the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Co-recipients of the TMA Lifetime Achievement Award
Guido Basso & Stompin’ Tom Connors
The Toronto Musicians’ Association is proud to recognize Guido Basso’s decades of artistry with the TMA Lifetime Achievement Award and is delighted to acknowledge Life Member Stompin’ Tom Connors with our Lifetime Achievement Award.
GUIDO BASSO
“Guido Basso is quite simply the best damn flugelhorn player in the world.” – Rob McConnell
As a founding member and featured soloist with Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass, Guido performed with The Singers Unlimited, Phil Woods, Mel Torme and The Hi Lo’s. Many of his recorded solos with that award-winning ensemble have become jazz classics studied by both professionals and students across North America. He was also a member of the Rob McConnell Tentet, Nimmons ‘N’ Nine Plus Six, and Ron Collier’s big band. Guido has also been in great demand on harmonica, having been featured in many concerts and on dozens of recordings. Guido has shared the stage with many of the world’s top jazz artists including Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Benny Goodman and Diana Krall. He is one of those rare musicians whose sound is unique and immediately recognizable, and has set the international standard for playing jazz flugelhorn. In 1994, Guido was made a Member of the Order of Canada. His CD Lost in the Stars was honoured with a JUNO award in 2004. Guido currently plays jazz concerts, is featured in a myriad of musical situations, and is currently in the studio working on a new CD. Otherwise he can be found at his home Eastern Ontario with his wife Kristin, growing garlic, cooking gourmet meals, and generally enjoying life. Guido is a Life Member of the TMA, having been a member since 1961. The Toronto Musicians’ Association is proud to recognize his decades of artistry with 2009 TMA Lifetime Achievement Award.
STOMPIN’ TOM CONNORS
From his first hit, “Bud the Spud,” Connors’ songs have celebrated and defined what it is to be Canadian. Many of his songs, like “Tillsonburg,” tell stories from his own journeys across the country. He has written about national passions (“The Hockey Song”), national heroes (“Blue Berets”), and national tragedies (“The Black Donnellys” and “Fire in the Mine”). Connors was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1996. He received a SOCAN National Achievement Award in 1999, and the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award in 2000. Tom also holds three honourary Doctorates, from St.
Thomas University (Laws, 1993), the University of Toronto (Laws, 2000), and the University of PEI (Literature, 2003). In 2009, Connors received the special distinction of being portrayed on a stamp released by Canada Post. From 1971 through 1975, Stompin’ Tom received five straight JUNO awards as best country male artist, and another for his album To It and At It. In 1978, he returned them all, explaining, “I feel that the JUNOs should be for people who are living in Canada, whose main base of business operations is in Canada, who are working toward the recognition of Canadian talent in this country and who are trying to further the export of such talent from this country to the world with a view to proudly showing off what this country can contribute to the world market. Until the academy appears to comply more closely with aspirations of this kind, I will no longer stand for any nominations, nor will I accept any award given.” More than simply playing songs about Canada, Stompin’ Tom Connors has been a fierce and uncompromising advocate for truly Canadian music and musicians. His patriotism, integrity, and his tremendous contribution to our nation’s musical heritage are truly exemplary. The Toronto Musicians’ Association is delighted to acknowledge Life Member Stompin’ Tom Connors with our Lifetime Achievement Award.
CFM Written Submission for Federal Pre-Budget Consultations and Canadian Heritage
Submission for Federal Pre-Budget Consultation
OR: That the government extend the CERB (as above) and restrict the extension to entertainment workers.
AND: That the government extend the CERB (under either of the above scenarios), and increase the $1,000 monthly non-penalized earnings, with a gradual claw-back of benefits, rather than termination of the benefit if the maximum earnings are exceeded.
Submission to Canadian Heritage
Both sectors – The CERB was a lifesaver and could be used as an argument for the institution of a Universal Basic Income. A stable, reliable income is critical to a worker’s ability to create or support the creation of, any artistic endeavor.
Film and television is slowly reopening, but is being hindered because no insurer will provide coverage to film and TV producers without a COVID-19 exclusion. We are asking the government to support the CMPA’s (Canadian Media Production Association) proposal to provide a $100-million backstop for COVID-19-related insurance claims. Unlike traditional insurers, the federal government has an incentive to put people back to work and turn those receiving EI/CERB/CRB benefits into productive taxpayers.
We also strongly support the proposal submitted to Canadian Heritage by the MPA-Canada concerning a temporarily enhanced film tax credit, which would create more film jobs for Canadians by attracting increased foreign service production to the country.
Live performance will require much more support, and it must be two-pronged, covering both employees and venues/institutions. The $500 million fund from Canadian Heritage was much appreciated and has helped to keep venues from closing their doors permanently, but some of that funding was to be earmarked for arts workers. We have not seen much evidence that this has happened. Organizations should be required to provide detailed breakdowns of artist fees, demonstrating that they are at least equivalent to the industry-established baselines. As well, support will be needed to insure live performance, once crowds are allowed.
Government should also consider: