If it wasn’t already difficult enough for US and European bands to tour Canada, new federal regulations in the country could make it nearly impossible for international bands to perform at smaller Canadian venues.
According to the Calgary Herald, new rules went into effect on July 31 that will double, triple, or even quadruple the cost of bringing in international artists to perform in bars, restaurants, or coffee shops in Canada.
Talent buyers are now forced to pay $425 per musician and crew member of an international band for every performance. Prior to the changes the application fee for international touring bands was a one-time $150 per band member.
Since this will inevitably cripple small music venues and the local music community, a petition has been launched for the Canadian government to remove the additional $275 application fee. Sign that here.