Work Permit changes announced yesterday for foreign music artists will dramatically improve the landscape for much of the live music community in Canada for the benefit of venues across the country, artist managers, agents, Canadian record labels, as well as Canadian and foreign artists. These changes were made at the request of Canada’s music community.Effective immediately, all foreign artists performing in time-limited engagements – so, on contract for a tour for instance – and their essential crew – will no longer have to expend the time or the cost to obtain a work permit, regardless of what kind of venue they’re performing in across Canada. If an artist has been hired for a permanent position, however, they will need to go through a different process.

Music Canada, CIMA, CCMIA and CAPACOA and the broader music community applaud these changes, and thank the government and Minister Chris Alexander (Citizenship and Immigration) for supporting the music industry in this regard.