Sometimes, the things a government does don’t make any sense. Canada is trying to raise the cost of international talent for talent buyers. Previously, the charge was $150 once per band (making the total additional cost for a Canadian run of dates $150); now, the cost is $425 per band member per performance (making a hypothetical three person four date tour cost a minimum of $5100). While the government’s motives are probably along the lines of encouraging Canadian talent and their own economics, the fact is this could cripple DIY and small time venues, as well as destroy your favorite smaller bands’ potential to ever play Canada.

This actually came into effect on July 31 without much public outcry, according to the Calgary Herald. You can sign a petition to change this here. We encourage you to do so if you like music, art, or Canadians. Sweet, sweet Canadians.

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Dan Bogosian

I finished school with a music theory degree. Before I finished school, I was a janitor. You really should apologize to all the janitors you've ever had. You hurt them. Seriously. You did.

But, now that we've cleared that up and you called your high school janitor, know that I quit being a janitor to pursue writing about music. So here I am, and here you are, and hey how are you?

Latest posts by Dan Bogosian (see all)

• REVIEW: Joyce Manor – ‘Never Hungover Again’ - July 21, 2014
• UTG INTERVIEW: Jonathan Hischke (Dot Hacker, The Sound of Animals Fighting) - July 7, 2014
• UTG PREMIERE: Big Neil (Tom Warren of The Front Bottoms) – “Never Had” - April 16, 2014