Canadian music unions are vital organizations that safeguard the rights and interests of professional musicians across the country. From the Canadian Federation of Musicians, with its national office in Toronto and 17,000 members nationwide, to the Coalition of Canadian Entertainment Unions, these unions play a crucial role in shaping the Canadian music industry. Discover their initiatives, commendations, and commitment to Canada’s creative industries, ensuring a thriving environment for musicians.
“”Income inequality and other issues in the workplace are never going to be addressed by individual musicians alone. Labor is the way forward.”
Adam Krauthamer, former president at AFM (New York chapter)
Canadian Federation of Musicians (CFM)
The Canadian Federation of Musicians (CFM) is the leading professional organization of its kind available to Canadian musicians. The CFM negotiates fair agreements for Canadian members, works diligently to protect ownership of recorded music, secures benefits such as health care and pension for its membership, and actively lobbies legislators on Copyright reform and other matters of interest to professional musicians living and working in Canada. The Canadian Federation of Musicians helps thousands of musicians who need assistance with any number of issues related to the recording and performing of their craft. With specialized services ranging from immigration, media recordings, symphonic and theatrical matters, touring, freelance musicians and membership services, contract negotiations and administration, royalty streams, and more, CFM helps its membership take best advantage of all career opportunities and optimize the level of their professional working environment.
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Guilde des musiciens et musiciennes du Québec (GMMQ)
The Guilde des musiciens et musiciennes du Québec (GMMQ) has a mission to promote the value of music as well as the vital contribution of professional musicians to society by representing and defending their artistic, social and financial interests. Notably, the GMMQ sets minimum working conditions for musicians and acts collectively on behalf of its members when it considers that their interest is affected. To this end, the GMMQ works with organizations whose objectives are similar. It is also actively lobbying to promote music and musicians to local, national, and international government bodies and communities.
CMPA ensures that the value and contribution of music publishers, music publishing, and copyright management is understood by artists, the music industry, users of copyrights, governments, and the general public.
Local 1000
Local 1000 is a full member of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) which serves traveling musicians living and working throughout Canada and the US. Canadian members of Local 1000 are entitled to all Canadian Federation of Musicians benefits as listed here.
Among other benefits, As a Canadian AFM member, you are able to take advantage of Federation sponsorship in the US. You can apply for a P-2 petition through the AFM’s Canadian office. If you are working regularly (at least monthly) in the US, you can get a multiple-entry visa for the same fee.
Toronto Musicians’ Association (TMA 149)
The Toronto Musicians’ Association, Local 149 of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) is the Professional Association for musicians in the greater Toronto Area. Founded in 1887, the Toronto Musicians’ Association received the charter as the Toronto area Local of the AFM on June 15, 1901. A member driven association of 3,500 members, the Toronto Musicians’ Association represents professional musicians in all facets of music in the greater Toronto area. In our concert halls, theatres, clubs, at private parties, on radio, television, film and recordings you hear the members of the Toronto Musicians’ Association whenever you listen to music.
Some of the assocation’s member benefits include:
- Legal protection, assistance and advice
- Access to working visas for the U.S.
- Instrument insurance
- Health and Dental Insurance
- Public relations and marketing advice or assistance
- Music industry contacts
