Touring in Canada becomes cheaper: Canadian Government Drops Fees for Touring Musician

Last year, the Canadian government made it difficult for foreign acts to tour in the country. A $275 fee per band member was implemented for acts playing in small bars, clubs, and other venues. This was in addition to a $150 work permit for individual acts and a $450 permit per band. Puzzlingly, the fees did not apply for concerts at larger venues.

The government said the fee would ensure that more Canadians would be hired in the industry, as opposed to foreign temporary workers.

It comes as no surprise that this caused outrage.  It made it extremely difficult for many artists to afford a Canadian tour and didn’t help local workers.

Now, a year later, the Canadian government has finally dropped both these costly requirements.

This will not only make it easier for foreign acts to tour in Canada, but it will help Canadian businesses by attracting international artists.

Source: Digital Music News