Musicians2014 AFM Canadian Conference IntroductionThe AFM Canadian Office, under the direction of the Vice President from Canada , offers full services for Canadian musicians including:Negotiations of Canadian electronic media agreements (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, TV Ontario, TV and Radio Commercial Announcements Agreement for Canada, etc). Participation in negotiations for US electronic media agreements that also affect Canadian musiciansDevelopment of expanded regional referral agencies and on-line efforts for solo musicians and groups ranging from flute and harp duos to garage bandsService to symphonic musicians through the Canadian Symphonic Services DivisionHandling visas for Canadian musicians through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The mission of the Musicians' Association of Ottawa-Gatineau, Local 180, AFM is to defend and promote the economic, social, and professional interests of its members who are free-lance musicians, as well as musicians who are working under a collective bargaining agreement.The most important tool for defending the interests of our members is the written contract. A contract provides the musician with a document that refers to basic minimum fees set by the Musicians Association as well as minimum working conditions. Often included in these conditions is the engager's obligation to contribute to the musicians' pension fund.In addition to establishing working conditions, the Local also promotes the interests of its members by providing access to legal services and insurance plans. In exchange for these services, the members pay an annual fee and work dues. All contributions to the musician's pension plan are paid by the engager.