To the CFM and TMA: 

This is a call to action for both the CFM and TMA to lobby our local government representatives in order to put an end to the proposed artist visa fee increase for Canadian musicians (from 460$ USD to 1650$ USD, a 260% increase).

The reality for independent musicians is that it takes a great amount of money and resources to get an artist visa to tour the US (even if touring small clubs). Currently there are multiple fees in place in order to get a US artist visa (a 460$ USD homeland security fee, a 49$ CAD per quarter TMA fee, and a $120 CAD CFA administrative fee). This amount is about $1000 CAD (for a year visa) which depending on how expensive / funded your tour/s is/are, it can mean barely breaking even or losing money altogether (after travel, promo, per diems, manager fees, promoter fees,  externalities, etc). This fee increase would further the inaccessibility for independent and marginalized artists to play in the US, it would increase the gap of unbalanced legislation between Canadian musicians touring the US  vs. US musicians touring Canada (US musicians need a letter attesting cultural exchange from their employers for 2 week periods / small club dates but no official visa). Furthermore, this fee would negatively affect the artistic exchange & collaborations that take place between these two neighbouring countries. 

This is a call to action for the TMA and the CFM to lobby our local government representatives and put pressure on the AFM / homeland security to both end the proposed fee increase for all musicians and re-examine the laws in place for Canadian musicians entering the US in accordance with the laws in place for American musicians playing in Canada. Given our close proximity and  friendly economic trade and tourism treaties, cultural exchange should be a part of the equation and legislated accordingly. We look to our union reps to represent us and give this issue visibility in accordance with their mandate and our rights as union members. 

best,