Officers

President, Francine Schutzman;
Vice President, Gary Morton;
Secretary-Treasurer, Robin Moir

Executive Board

Lance Elbeck
Mike Mullin
David Renaud
Sean Rice

Delegates to AFM Convention

Francine Schutzman
Robin Moir

President Emeritus

Glenn Robb

 

Office Staff

Administrative Officers:

Dan Blackwell

Marlene Morton

MPTF Coordinator: Mike Mullin

Website: Dave Poulin

DISCLAIMER

Your officers and editorial staff conscientiously screen all advertising submitted to the eNewsHarp. However, we cannot assume responsibility for product quality or advertising content, nor can your officers be held accountable for misrepresentations between side persons and leader/contractors.

Local 180 publishes the eNewsHarp on-line four times a year. In an election year, we also publish an election issue for members.

President’s Message

Francine Schutzman

We are coming to end of another good year for the Musicians’ Association. Our nominations meeting in September resulted in the named officers (Robin, Gary and me), the auditors (Michel and Craig) and the trustees (Marlene and Joe) all remaining in our positions. For that we thank you wholeheartedly. We will continue to serve you to the best of our ability.

We are having elections for the four board member positions on December 7th (don’t forget to vote!), and we will have the results of those elections by the time the December general meeting on December 15th rolls around (don’t forget to come!).

We would love to have more members and to get up to our pre-Covid level, but the members we do have are keeping quite busy, which is what we wish for all musicians. There are challenges, including the cost and timeline of getting P2 visas, and we have the consistent problem of some of our members not filing contracts. They are losing out on pension contributions for the players they hire and for themselves — what a waste! In an effort to persuade more people to file, we hope to add a section to our bylaw on contracting. Please see the details elsewhere in this issue of the Harp. We will be voting on that section at the general meeting on December 17th (once again, don’t forget to come!).

We wish everyone a happy holiday season and a healthy year to come!

Francine

Rapport de la président

Nous arrivons au terme d’une autre bonne année pour l’Association des Musiciens. Lors de notre réunion de nomination en septembre, les responsables nommés (Robin, Gary et moi-même), les commissaires aux comptes (Michel et Craig) et les administrateurs (Marlene et Joe) ont tous ont tous conservé leurs fonctions. Nous vous en remercions chaleureusement. Nous continuerons à vous servir au mieux de nos capacités.

Les élections des quatre postes d’administrateur auront lieu le 7 décembre (n’oubliez pas de voter !), et nous connaîtrons les résultats avant l’assemblée générale du 15 décembre (n’oubliez pas d’y assister !).

 Nous aimerions accueillir davantage de membres et retrouver notre niveau d’avant la pandémie. Toutefois nos membres actuels sont très actifs, ce que nous souhaitons à tous les musiciens. Nous rencontrons des difficultés, notamment le coût et les délais d’obtention des visas P2, et nous sommes confrontés au problème récurrent du non-dépôt des contrats par certains de nos membres. Ils perdent ainsi les cotisations de retraite pour les musiciens qu’ils engagent et pour eux-mêmes – quel gaspillage ! Afin d’encourager davantage de personnes à remplir et à enregistrer les contrats, nous souhaitons ajouter un article à notre réglementation. Vous trouverez plus de détails dans ce numéro du Harp. Le vote sur cet article aura lieu lors de l’assemblée générale du 17 décembre (n’oubliez pas d’y assister!).

 Nous vous souhaitons de joyeuses Fêtes et une excellente année à venir!

Francine

Secretary Treasurer’s Message

Robin Moir

Dear Members,

You will notice two items of importance in this edition of the News Harp, and I want to draw attention to them as well in this article.

1. We are updating the Price List 2026 (which was approved by the membership in June/25) to include new language regarding the duty of Leaders, Contractors, and Members. This will be discussed and voted on by the membership at the GM on December 15, 2025. Please read the language carefully and understand that we have consensus for this at the Executive Board after receiving multiple complaints and concerns from musicians who have collaborated with contractors who are not filing contracts.

These musicians come to us – and ask for anonymity, as they fear (understandably) that they jeopardize their work with contractors who fail to file contracts if they complain. We have guaranteed them our assistance in this matter.

Update for Price List 2026 for General Meeting – December 15, 2025

(The paragraph below will appear on the first page of the Price List in a designated box)

 

Leaders and contractors who fail to file contracts or who do not follow the rules and regulations of this price list put members’ pensions at risk. They will be expelled from Local 180 if they do not correct problems with their contracts after being contacted by the office. Repeat offenders may be expelled without warning.

Every Local 180 member has a duty to:

1. ask the leader or contractor if a pensionable contract is in place when hired

2. refuse to work with contractors who do not file contracts

3. notify the Secretary-Treasurer of current or past engagements where a pension contribution was not made or a contract may not have been filed (all such reports are kept strictly confidential)

 

2. The MPF Canada (Musicians’ Pension Fund of Canada) has issued Canadian locals clear and unambiguous language that describes who and what they are. Please read the information provided by them carefully and if you have any questions you are urged to contact them directly.

Executive Director – Paul Versteeg-Lytwyn – paulv@mpfcanada.ca

Director Pension Benefits – Humbert Martins – humbert@mpfcanada.ca

Emailing is the easiest and fastest way to reach either Paul or Humbert, and I am happy to facilitate any questions that you may have with them.

The Musicians’ Pension Fund of Canada (MPF Canada) is a federally registered pension plan designed with working musicians of the CFM in mind. The Plan makes it possible for those performing under a collective agreement or tariff of fees, including those working as freelance musicians or giving private music lessons, to accumulate a benefit from a well managed Plan that can provide steady income for musicians long after their playing days are over. To become a member, and fully vest, in the Musicians’ Pension Fund of Canada, employers must make contributions on your behalf for 2 years without a 6-month break between them. All-in-all, this custom-made program is a real asset to the professional, working musician. Remember that contributions for the previous year must be submitted, through your Local, to the Fund Office by March 1 of the following year. For more information, please contact the Fund Office directly and toll-free at 1-888-462-6666 or email us at info@mpfcanada.ca

 

I cannot believe that Christmas is almost here and that the New Year is just around the corner! This has been one of the busiest years in our Local’s history, and 2026 looks to be just as packed with new events, new members, and an AFM Convention to be held here in Ottawa thrown in for good measure.

I want to thank President Francine Schutzman for her tireless work throughout the year and as well I want to thank the Board members who continue to support the ongoing work of the office.

I want to recognize VP Gary Morton especially for the organization of the Local 180 Awards ceremony which was an enormous success in September.

I also want to acknowledge Office Administrator Dan Blackwell for the work he does that never ends in the office and his encouragement to our members old and new and his thoughtfulness and support to all of us.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 

Robin

 

 

Rapport de la secrétaire trésorière

Chers membres,

Vous remarquerez deux points importants dans ce numéro du News Harp, et j’aimerais également les souligner dans cet article.

1. Nous mettons à jour la Liste de prix 2026 (approuvée par les membres en juin 2025) afin d’y inclure de nouvelles dispositions concernant les obligations des responsables, des prestataires, et des membres. Ce point sera discuté et soumis au vote des membres lors de l’Assemblée générale du 15 décembre 2025. Veuillez lire attentivement le texte et sachez que nous avons pris cette décision à l’unanimité au sein du Conseil d’administration suite à de nombreuses plaintes et inquiétudes de musiciens ayant collaboré avec des prestataires ne déposant pas de contrats.

Ces musiciens s’adressent à nous – et demandent l’anonymat, car ils craignent (à juste titre) de compromettre leur collaboration avec les prestataires qui ne déposent pas de contrats s’ils portent plainte. Nous leur avons assuré notre soutien dans cette démarche.

Mise à jour du tarif 2026 pour l’assemblée générale du 15 décembre 2025

(Le paragraphe ci-dessous figurera en première page du tarif, dans un encadré prévu à cet effet.)

Les dirigeants et les entrepreneurs qui omettent de déposer des contrats ou qui ne respectent pas les règles et règlements de cette liste de prix mettent en péril les pensions des membres. Ils seront exclus de la section locale 180 s’ils ne corrigent pas les problèmes liés à leurs contrats après avoir été contactés par le bureau. Les récidivistes pourront être exclus sans préavis.

 Chaque membre de la section locale 180 a le devoir de :

 1. demander au dirigeant ou à l’entrepreneur si un contrat ouvrant droit à pension est en vigueur au moment de l’embauche ;

2. refuser de travailler avec des entrepreneurs qui ne déposent pas de contrats ;

3. signaler au secrétaire-trésorier les engagements actuels ou passés pour lesquels aucune cotisation de retraite n’a été versée ou pour lesquels aucun contrat n’a pu être déposé (tous ces signalements sont traités de manière strictement confidentielle).

 

 

2. La Caisse de retraite des musiciens du Canada (CRMC) a publié des informations claires et sans ambiguïté à l’intention de ses sections locales canadiennes, décrivant son rôle et ses missions. Veuillez lire attentivement ces informations et, pour toute question, n’hésitez pas à communiquer directement avec elle.

Directeur général : Paul Versteeg-Lytwyn – paulv@mpfcanada.ca

Directeur des prestations de retraite : Humbert Martins – humbert@mpfcanada.ca

Le courriel est le moyen le plus simple et le plus rapide de joindre Paul ou Humbert. Je me ferai un plaisir de vous mettre en contact avec eux pour toute question.

 

La Caisse de retraite des musiciens du Canada (CMC Canada) est un régime de retraite enregistré auprès du gouvernement fédéral et conçu pour les musiciens professionnels membres de la FMC. Ce régime permet aux musiciens qui travaillent en vertu d’une convention collective ou d’un barème d’honoraires, y compris les musiciens indépendants et les professeurs de musique privés, d’accumuler des prestations grâce à un régime bien géré qui peut leur assurer un revenu stable longtemps après la fin de leur carrière. Pour devenir membre et acquérir pleinement des droits au CMC Canada, les employeurs doivent cotiser en votre nom pendant deux ans consécutifs, sans interruption de six mois. En résumé, ce programme sur mesure est un véritable atout pour les musiciens professionnels. N’oubliez pas que les cotisations de l’année précédente doivent être versées au bureau du CMC Canada par l’intermédiaire de votre section locale au plus tard le 1er mars de l’année suivante. Pour plus d’information, veuillez communiquer directement avec le bureau du CMC Canada, sans frais, au 1-888-462-6666 ou nous écrire à info@mpfcanada.ca

 

 

Je n’arrive pas à croire que Noël soit déjà presque là et que le Nouvel An soit à nos portes ! Cette année a été l’une des plus chargées de l’histoire de notre section locale, et 2026 s’annonce tout aussi riche en événements, en nouveaux membres et, pour couronner le tout, le congrès de l’AFM qui se tiendra ici même à Ottawa.

Je tiens à remercier la présidente Francine Schutzman pour son travail acharné tout au long de l’année, ainsi que les membres du conseil d’administration qui continuent d’appuyer le travail du bureau.

Je tiens à souligner tout particulièrement le travail du vice-président Gary Morton, qui a organisé avec brio la remise des prix de la section locale 180 en septembre.

Je souhaite également remercier l’administrateur du bureau, Dan Blackwell, pour son travail incessant, ses encouragements envers nos membres, anciens comme nouveaux, et sa bienveillance et son soutien constants.

Joyeux Noël et bonne année !

Robin

 

Proposed Bylaw Change

The Board of Directors propose an amendment to the Local 180 Bylaws:

Add the following language to the end of Article 9 (Contracting):

 

Section 27 – Leaders and contractors who fail to file contracts or who don’t follow the rules and regulations of this price list put members’ pensions at risk. They will be expelled from Local 180 if they do not correct problems with their contracts after being contacted by the office. Repeat offenders may be expelled without warning.

 

Every Local 180 member has a duty to:

1. ask the leader or contractor if a pensionable contract is in place when hired

2. refuse to work with contractors who don’t file contracts

3. notify the Secretary-Treasurer of current or past engagements where a pension contribution was not made or a contract may not have been filed (all such reports are kept strictly confidential)

Proposed Bylaw Changes

The Board of Directors proposes amending the Local 180 Bylaws as follows: In Article 2, Section 4 of the Bylaws, add a sentence at the end to refer to a Code of Conduct.  Please see Section 4 below.  The proposed new language is italicized and underlined.

 

Section 4 – Executive Board

The Executive Board shall consist of the President, the Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer, and four elected members. It shall be the duty of each of the Board members to attend all meetings of the executive board, perform the duties assigned thereto and perform such other related tasks as may be assigned by the President orthe Executive Board. They shall receive such remuneration as the Local shall from time to time determine and shall be exempt from all dues and assessments, with the exception of work dues, during their terms of office. The Executive Board shall meet regularly and on special call of the President. It shall have authority to set its exact hour and place of its meetings, except for those on special call of the President. The presence of a majority of the officers is required to constitute a quorum. The Executive Board may, by prior unanimous consent, hold one or more of its meetings via electronic technology (e.g. Telephone, videoconference) or via a hybrid of electronic means and in-person attendance.Unanimous consent for electronic or hybrid meetings may be obtained via email or other means. No decisions of the Executive Board may be made by secret ballot. It shall be the duty of the Executive Board to supervise the interests of the Local; to investigate all charges against a member, or members, or any rumours which they consider detrimental to the Local, or AFM; to call for papers or witnesses, or have the power to cause a member, or members, who have been charged with violating the Bylaws, to appear before them; receive applications for membership, pass upon all candidates; impose or remit penalties; submit questions in dispute for the Local to decide; pass upon all bills against the Local, and report all their actions or decisions at the following regular meeting. The Executive Board may, at its discretion, hire a Business Representative or Business Representatives, to aid in the maintenance of good business relations with employers of musicians. The Board may also hire an Operations Manager to aid in day-to-day business of the Local. Remuneration for such services shall be determined by the Executive Board. The Executive Board shall have the power, by unanimous consent, to borrow money or establish a line of credit when necessary to serve the best interest of the members. The total borrowed amount shall not exceed 25% of the Local’s investments.

(NEW:). The members of the Executive Board and all employees of the Musicians’ Association shall read, sign and abide by the Code of Conduct outlined in Appendix B of these Bylaws.

YOUR PENSION PLAN

The Musicians’ Pension Fund of Canada (MPF Canada) is a federally registered pension plan designed with working musicians of the CFM in mind.

The Plan makes it possible for those performing under a collective agreement or tariff of fees, including those working as freelance musicians or giving private music lessons, to accumulate a benefit from a well managed Plan that can provide steady income for musicians long after their playing days are over. To become a member, and fully vest, in the Musicians’ Pension Fund of Canada, employers must make contributions on your behalf for 2 years without a 6-month break between them.

All-in-all, this custom-made program is a real asset to the professional, working musician. Remember that contributions for the previous year must be submitted, through your Local, to the Fund Office by March 1 of the following year. For more information, please contact the Fund Office directly and toll-free at 1-888-462-6666 or email us at info@mpfcanada.ca

A message to our members, from Local 180:

 

The following posts were filled by acclamation at Local 180’s General Meeting on September 15, 2025:

 

—President and AFM Convention Delegate: Francine Schutzman

—AFM Convention Delegate: Robin Moir (Robin had two years remaining in her post as Secretary-Treasurer)

—Vice-President: Gary Morton

—AFM Convention Delegate: Mike Mullin

—First Alternate AFM Convention Delegate: Dan Blackwell

—Second Alternate AFM Convention Delegate: Gary Morton

—Trustees: Marlene Morton and Joe Turner

—Auditors: Michel Cloutier and Craig Kennedy

 

Five members were nominated for the four remaining Executive Board positions.  In this special Election Issue of the Harp, you will read about why each nominee feels that they would be a good addition to the Board.  Please come to the Local office on December 7th between the hours of noon and 5 PM to vote for up to four people, schmooze with your fellow members, and have a bite to eat.  

 

If you can’t make that date, visit the office anytime during the weeks of November 24th and December 1st  to cast your votes (except for December 3rd, when the ballot box will be at the NAC Stage Door between 11 AM and 3 PM).  The office is open Monday-Friday, from 10 AM until 4 PM.

 

Please note that you may vote for just one person or as many as four.

 

Former Board member Larry Vine is the Returning Officer heading the election committee.  He will be joined by Dan Blackwell, Peter Rapson and Craig Kennedy.

UPDATE! THE VOTES HAVE BEEN TALLIED AND THE WINNERS ARE . . . 

 

Hi all,

Ballots from today’s Local 180 Executive Board election have been tallied, and we can now announce the results.

For the upcoming term, the elected members of our Board (listed alphabetically) will be:

Mike Mullin
Dave Renaud
Sean Rice
Mike Tremblay

Ballots were counted by returning officer Larry Vine and scrutineers Dan Blackwell, Craig Kennedy, and Peter Rapson.

Thanks very much to all of our members who voted.  And thanks especially to all of the candidates for their invaluable service – past, present, and future – to Local 180!

All the best,
Larry Vine

 

 

Nominees:

 

Lance Elbeck

Violinist and Advocate for Musicians

 

As a violinist with over 40 years of professional experience, I’ve had the privilege of working across diverse musical genres. For 35 years, I served as concertmaster of a distinguished Canadian orchestra, and I’ve performed in countless studio recordings in Canada and the U.S., collaborating with legendary entertainers like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Lena Horne, and Burt Bacharach. My career has also included touring with pops stars, performing in Broadway show pits, and playing for classical ballet and opera productions. As a teacher, I spent 27 years at McMaster University and a year at the University of Ottawa, mentoring the next generation of musicians. Currently, I am the only string player on the Local 180 board and one of two members with extensive classical symphonic experience. I believe it’s vital to encourage young string players to pursue professional careers, and I’m committed to ensuring they receive the support they need. Having participated in contract negotiations and witnessed the union’s positive influence on musicians’ careers, I understand the crucial role unions play in our profession. I’m proud to bring my wide-ranging experience to Local 180 and to advocate for the success and growth of our musical community.

 

Mike Mullin

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

It’s election time, and I’m again asking for your support. The key executive roles have been filled by acclamation, a vote of confidence in our leadership. Over the past two years, many of us have contributed meaningfully, and our association is in better shape and moving forward.

I’ve been a member of the Executive Board since 2009.  I run the Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) for the Local, helping to bring live music to our community and create performance opportunities for our musicians. I also co-produce our live stream concerts with Dave Poulin,  projects that have been getting great reviews not only in New York but from colleagues around the country. It’s been rewarding to see that work shine a positive light on our Local and its talented members.

Thank you for your continued trust and support. I look forward to serving again and working together to keep our Local strong and vibrant.

Sincerely,

Mike Mullin

Candidate for Re-election – Executive Board

Ottawa-Gatineau Musicians’ Association, Local 180

 

 

Dave Renaud

I have worked alongside the team for about a decade. During this time gained much insight into the programs, protocols, and initiatives the local is engaged in on behalf of its membership. I would be honoured to continue in this endeavour. As a musician and leader, I’ve contracted musicians and bands since 1982. As a piano technician, built a substantial business with subcontractors. As a teacher, helped hundreds of students over 40 years. In all these pursuits, I’ve built experience and expertise in business, management, and accounting – assets to serve the board. 

Over my tenure, I strove to support the board in its efforts to streamline and modernize processes. I spearheaded some initiatives, such as switching from mailing expensive hardcopy newsletters to e-mail format, over time, yielding tens of thousands of dollars in lowered expenses on some fronts. Currently, I organize/host our free online seminars with experts on various topics of interest to our membership. These seminars I edit for our media team to post to our local web pages. 

Our office has evolved with online contracts, e-transfer payments, and many other initiatives. I would love to continue partnering in this journey. Please come out and vote. 

Dave Renaud

 

Sean Rice

 

Sean Rice (DMA, MM, BMus)
Second Clarinet/Bass Clarinet – National Arts Centre Orchestra

 

I first moved to Ottawa in 2010 to join the National Arts Centre Orchestra after I was hired as Second Clarinetist. During my time here, I have been proud to be very active in Ottawa’s musical landscape, and over the last decade, I have had the privilege of serving the community and our AFM/CFM members as an Executive Board Member for Local 180. In addition to my performing responsibilities in the National Arts Centre Orchestra, I have served on the Orchestra Committee’s negotiating team for contract negotiations, the Artistic Advisory Committee, the Music Director Search Committee, and currently program the Wolfgang Series. During my time on the Local 180 Executive Board, I am proud of the work our union has done to promote the benefits and work of the union. I care deeply about contract fairness and achieving the best possible working and contract conditions for our members. If I am fortunate enough to be re-elected, I will continue to stand for our members and to promote their best interests within our musical community.

 

 

Mike Tremblay

 

To the membership of Local 180,

 

As a working musician and longtime union member, I’m running for a position on the Executive Board. I bring more than 44yrs of experience navigating the challenges of our industry as a freelance musician and educator. I joined our union at 16 and have been a continuous member for 44 years. The benefits of union membership have made it possible for folks like me to make a living wage. My aim is to first learn as much as I can about the inner workings of our executive board, then to help out where I am best suited. Our union must continue evolve with the times. One important way to grow our union lies in educating the youth on the benefits of membership. I have always maintained a strong connection with students and young musicians. Many are unaware of how the musicians union can help them, especially at the beginning of their career.

I believe in protecting the rights of all musicians whether in the studio, on stage, or behind the scenes. We truly have one of the finest Locals anywhere. I’m hoping to be able to learn from longtime board members and earn my place as part of the amazing team here in Ottawa-Gatineau.

 

Yours,

Mike Tremblay

 

 

The next Convention of the AFM will be held in Ottawa, Ontario, the beautiful capital city of Canada – our first Canadian-held Convention since 1973!

We received the following message on February 20th from Ken Shirk, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFM. This is truly exciting news for our Local! Put the dates in your calendars, as the AFM Convention is open to all to observe. What better way to see for yourselves how your union works?

 

Dear Officers,

As veterans of AFM Conventions know, since 1991 the AFM has held every one of its International Conventions in Las Vegas, Nevada. The delegates to the 2023 Convention made it clear, however, that a new location for the next Convention would be most welcome. Hearing that, and after an extensive search, the International Executive Board is pleased to advise that the next Convention of the AFM will be held in Ottawa, Ontario, the beautiful capital city of Canada – our first Canadian-held Convention since 1973!

Please take note of the following:

DATES – The actual days of the 2026 Convention will be different from past conventions, so please mark your calendars accordingly –

Registration will begin on Friday, June 19, 2026.

The Convention will start on Saturday, June 20, 2026 and conclude
on Tuesday, June 23, 2026

We encourage all of our members to join PAL (palottawa.org)

Please see their website and the March eNewsHarp for details about the organization and the planned residence for members of the arts community. It is not too soon to sign up for affordable housing for retirees, even if you are not sure that you’ll need it. And if you are not close to retirement, your membership will help the organization to focus on the needs of our community.

DIRECTORY OF CANADIAN UNION-MADE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

With the impact of Trump’s tariffs already being deeply felt by workers across Canada, and with far deeper impacts still to come throughout this tariff crisis and trade war in the days, weeks, and months ahead, it’s worth mentioning and reiterating that buying union-made Canadian products, and patronizing unionized hotels, automotive dealers, and other unionized services, supports good jobs in Canada.

It’s not just where it’s made, it’s how it’s made.

When you buy union-made, you’re backing good jobs, fair wages, and safe working conditions in communities across Canada.

The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) has now launched a new bilingual comprehensive online directory of Canadian union-made products and services so you can support fellow workers, our economy, and good Canadian jobs where workers can collectively bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions.

The “Buy Union” directory can be found online at: https://canadianlabour.ca/buy-union/

Share this new “Buy Union” online directory resource with your family, friends, co-workers, and community, and let’s build worker power, one purchase at a time.

Don’t see a product or service made by you or your fellow union members in this new online directory?

Have your union email me at UnionLabel@clcctc.ca with lists of union-made products and services provided by members of your national union, and let us know what products your unionized company makes and which union it is made and produced by.

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LIVE MUSIC WORKERS FUND

After receiving an unprecedented number of applications of the Live Music Workers Fund, we reopened the application.

Since the official application launch we have received thousands of submissions, making it very clear that our industry is in great need of this help. We are so proud and appreciative of the work you and your organizations have all done and continue to do to ensure that everyone in the Canadian Live Music Industry has access to this funding. While the  pandemic may appear to be over, it continues to negatively impact the livelihoods of people in our community. 

Attached (below) is the step-by-step guide to the application in English and French, which includes the link to the application.

Step-By-Step Application Details

Détails de l’application étape par étape

Attend hybrid LOCAL 180 GENERAL MEETING

Doors Open Monday, December 15th @ 12:00 p.m.

MEETING STARTS @ 12:30P.M.

If you know ahead of time that you’re attending in-person, please notify dan@ma180.org so we know how much pizza to order.

Relief Fund Alive and Well

The Relief Fund was established by Local 180 to help those musicians most greatly affected by the pandemic. Thanks to the generous donations made by our own members, with a special shout-out to the musicians of the NAC Orchestra, we plan to maintain the Relief Fund and to add to it. The pandemic may appear to be over, but its effects will linger for a long time, and one never knows what is around the corner. So here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

If you need assistance, or if you are aware of a fellow member who needs it, send a message to Robin. We do not ask those who need funds to justify the need or tell us what they will be used for. We assume that if you ask for help, you genuinely need it.

If you are in a position to do so, please contribute to the fund. You might need to tap into it some day yourself.

 

HYBRID GENERAL MEETING

Doors open Monday, DECEMBER 15th, 12:00 p.m.

MEETING STARTS @ 12:30 p.m.

Please let Dan know (dan@ma180.org) if you will be attending so that we know how much pizza to order.

Promote Your Performances with eNewsHarp, Facebook and Instagram

Are you ready to showcase your talent to a wider audience? MA180 is here to help you shine! We invite Local 180 musicians to submit their upcoming gig details, including photos, bios, and background information. Share your story and let us amplify your voice and your music. Send your submissions to gigs@ma180.org and we’ll help you stand out in Ottawa/Gatineau’s vibrant musical community.

Ottawa can almost claim Roddy Ellias as its own, given that he was only one year old when his family moved to the city from Val D’Or, Quebec. And by giving him the Local 180’s Lifetime Achievement Award this year, we celebrate everything Roddy’s done since then.

Roddy’s musical influences began at home and at church. His mother sang Broadway tunes around the house, and his father chanted the melodies he knew from the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church they attended. He recalls that some of the most beautiful music he heard growing up was from Dr. Fred Karam, the musical director at that church, who played Bach choral preludes on the organ before the services, and who also wrote arrangements for the choir which are still used today. The chanters were also a regular part of the service, and even the priest chanted.

When he was around five, Roddy used to improvise and explore on his grandmother’s piano for hours. Later musical influences came not from school, but from his neighbours. As destiny would have it, five or six apartments in his building housed guitar players. There were the Rowan brothers upstairs, who played at the Glenn Lea Golf Club for years. Karl Olmsted, in the apartment below the Ellias family’s, played the lap guitar. And then there were two brothers who hosted kitchen parties, with one on guitar and the other on harmonica. So it was no surprise when twelve-year-old Roddy asked for a guitar for Christmas and started figuring things out by ear and by asking questions.

He was basically a self-taught pop and R&B, then later jazz, musician. He did take classical guitar lessons for a few years with Bob Sabourin at Metro Music, starting in his early teens. He also tried a couple of teachers who had studied with Segovia, but he found their approach too dogmatic.

By his own admission, Roddy did not enjoy high school, either academically or musically. It’s hard to tell how much his career was influenced by his having been forced to play— are you ready for this?—tuba and euphonium from Grade 10 onwards! It does not appear to have been a happy experience! What worked out better was playing in pop and R&B bands in high school, all the while practicing classical guitar and learning jazz on his own.

After high school, Roddy toured Canada for nine months with a Montreal-based pop group called The Sceptres. Then, out of the blue, he got a call from Los Angeles. Two days later, he was on his way to California and a one-year, nonstop tour with The Jacks and Jills. He then returned to Ottawa where, at the tender age of 20 or 21, he finally started doing jazz gigs. His first one was with Vernon Isaacs and Scott Alexander at the La Paloma Restaurant. Evidently, Vernon enjoyed mischievously calling tunes he figured the band didn’t know, so they became quite adept at listening and adapting as they went along.

Roddy quickly attracted the attention of some seasoned musicians in Ottawa — band leader Les Cox, saxophonists Roy Reynolds, and Hughie O’Connor — and for the next three years, he played six nights a week in the dining room of the Skyline Hotel. There were other bands, including the Brian Browne trio, playing regularly in the hotel as well; those were the good old days!

In 1977, Roddy formed a band with Scott Alexander, Hugh Marsh and Kevin Mackenzie.

Then in 1979, Harvey Glatt funded Roddy’s first record, A Night for Stars, with this band, augmented by Robin Moir, Joe Turner, and Dave Hildinger. The album is considered by many as a milestone of contemporary jazz, made at a time when there were not many Canadian jazz recordings around. The record was quickly picked up by an American label called Inner City. Although Inner City had won a Downbeat poll for being the best jazz label, sadly, they went bankrupt later that year.

In the early ‘80’s, Roddy was the house guitarist at the Cock and Lion in the Chateau Laurier, where he played with some of the biggest names in jazz from around the world. At the same time Dave Hildinger asked Roddy to help teach jazz at The University of Ottawa.

A few years later, when Dave took Roddy to hear professor Steven Gellman’s music —classical, not jazz — Roddy was so inspired he decided to enroll in university at the ripe old age of 30, to learn how to compose contemporary classical music. After he graduated, one of his professors suggested that he keep studying, so he went to the Université de Montréal to earn a Master’s degree in classical composition. His favourite teacher there, and soon to become a good friend, was Massimo Rossi — Canada’s answer to Nadia Boulanger.

A week after Roddy received his M. Mus, he got another call out of the blue— this time from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, offering him a full-time tenure track teaching position. Roddy had just met his future wife, so he accepted the offer and wound up teaching there for three years. He then moved on to teach at Concordia in Montreal for seventeen years before taking early retirement.

It sounds as if Roddy could have made a fine career just about anywhere, but he chose to come back to Ottawa, much to the city’s delight. Former Mayor Jim Watson even declared Roddy Ellias Day in the city, making Roddy truly one of our own. Aside from wanting to be close to family and to mentor younger musicians, he also wanted to give back to the community and especially to the Local. He had had a Canada Council grant for his first year of study in Montreal, but it wasn’t renewed for the second year because of an issue with application dates. So Local 180 gave Roddy $2000 from the benevolent fund, which allowed him to stay in school. He hadn’t wanted to do gigs while he was studying, so these funds were invaluable.

Over the six decades that Roddy has been making music, he was often called out of town, to Montreal, Toronto, or Halifax, to perform with musicians such as Lee Konitz, Kenny Wheeler, and Oliver Jones, to name a few. He’s also played with many great musicians passing through town over the years, including Joel Frahm, David Liebman, Lonny Johnston, Tom Harrel, and Nat Adderley.

Since returning to the city, Roddy has taught part-time at Carleton University, organized a guitar festival, written a lot of chamber music, participated in local music festivals, continued to perform throughout Canada and in the US and Europe and written a puppet opera (!) called Sleeping Rough. This work, which was performed to sold-out crowds two years in a row at the Music and Beyond Festival, features a libretto by Roddy’s wife, poet and novelist Sandra Nicholls, and puppets by the late Noreen Young, a recipient of the Order of Canada. The opera featured two jazz singers, Kellylee Evans and Felicity Williams, and two classical singers, Hélène Brunet and Gary Dahl, as well as a 13-piece chamber group. You can view the opera here: https://vimeo.com/991847392?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci.

It was fourteen years ago that Roddy retired from Concordia, and he now calls himself a full-time musician, with more time for new projects. These include a duo with New York pianist Marc Copland, who played for many years with the John Abercrombie Quartet and the Gary Peacock Trio. In addition he will be setting his daughter Ellie Ellias’s poems to music, eventually to be sung by Felicity Williams. He also came out with a solo album last year called Moon Over Lake, and he just finished a cross-Canada tour, performing his music to rapt audiences from coast to coast. He starts each day by playing Bach for an hour, and then he continues on his path of — in his own words — making stuff happen here and keeping creative music alive. May he long do so.

Roddy accepting the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award

Hear and Now Concert Series, Roddy Ellias Solo Guitar

Catch Roddy Ellias live, playing solo guitar in the intimate atmoshere of the Chapel of St. John the Evangelist Church.

 

Get ready for an unforgettable night as Roddy Ellias takes the stage with his solo guitar magic! Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his music, come and be taken on a musical journey in the intimate atmosphere of the Chapel at St. John the Evangelist Church. See you there!

Here’s the link to tickets and info for Roddy’s upcoming concert on December 11th.

MORE INFO

BIG HEALTH NEWS!

We are delighted to share this announcement from the CFM office in Toronto:

The CFM teams up with @afbscanada so members and their family can access personal health insurance made exclusively for the Canadian artistic community. The Arts & Entertainment Plan is offered by an insurer not driven by profit and is available nationwide. This plan includes prescription drug care, dental care, travel emergency medical, extended health care, and other insurance types including Group Term Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment.

For more information and to get a quote visit https://www.aeplan.ca

 

La FCMs’associe à @afbscanada pour permettre à ses membres et à leur famille d’avoir accès à une assurance maladie personnelle conçue exclusivement pour la communauté artistique Canadienne. Le régime Arts et Spectacle est offert par un assureur non-lucratif et est disponible à l’échelle nationale. Ce régime comprend les médicaments d’ordonnance, les soins dentaires, les soins médicaux d’urgence en voyage, les soins de santé complémentaires et d’autres types d’assurance, y compris l’assurance vie temporaire collective et l’assurance en cas de décès et de mutilation par accident.

Pour plus d’informations visitez https://www.aeplan.ca/fr

OBITUARIES

Peter Turner and Kyle Jordan

Kenneth R. Moore

Promoted to Glory on September 19, 2025 at the age of 95.  Ken is survived by his children Brian (Desmond), Jim (Michele), Sharon (Mario), grandchildren Jaime (Brian), Michael and David (Jim), Kristen and Scott (Sharon) great-grandchildren Emma and Ayden (Jaime). Predeceased by his wife, of 74 years, Marie, (2025) his brothers Herbert Ritson (1988) and Leonard Moore (2009)

Ken was born in Niagara Falls, Ontario and began his musical career at the age of 8, when he was introduced to the cornet and piano.  When he was 13 his father sent him to a professional teacher.  In succeeding years he concentrated on competing in music festivals on the trumpet, winning 55 awards and many scholarships.  He studied under a number of outstanding trumpet teachers, including James Burke of the Goldman Band and Charles Colin in New York City.

Ken has played with many top professional organizations, including the Toronto, Hamilton and Ottawa symphony orchestras and has been featured as a trumpet soloist on both the Canadian and British Broadcasting Corp. Networks.

After Secondary School in 1948, at age 17, Ken enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a musician and was assigned to the RCAF Air Transport Command Band, Toronto, where within a year, he became the principal cornet soloist, a position he held until his transfer 13 years later.

While in Toronto he studied music composition, conducting and performance at the University of Toronto and the Royal Conservatory of Music under Professors Robert Rosevear and Gordon Delemont.

In 1950, Ken married Marie and she moved from Niagara Falls to Toronto to be with him.  During that time they had 3 children before being transferred, in 1961, to the RCAF Central Band in Ottawa.  At age 32 he was commissioned and appointed the Director of Music.

 In 1968, following unification, Ken became the Director of Music of the Canadian Forces Air Transport Command Band in Kingston.  During his years in Kingston he  taught Trumpet and Secondary Brass at Queen’s University.  Ken, a member of the Canadian Band Directors’ Association, was elected to membership in the prestigious American Bandmasters’ Association in 1971 and served on the board of Directors.  At that time, he was only the fifth Canadian to be so honoured.

In 1975, Ken was appointed the Director of Music of the RCMP Band in Ottawa.  He held this position until his retirement in 1986.

Ken is a third generation Salvationist and throughout his life has attended the Salvation Army Corps in the city in which he was working.  Over the years he played with the West Toronto and later Dovercourt Corps as a cornet soloist on a number of records.  He also served as the Bandmaster of the Parkdale Citadel Band in Ottawa, Kingston Citadel Band  and the Woodroffe Temple Band in Ottawa.  Ken and Marie are currently members of the Ottawa Citadel Corps.

After retiring in 1986,  Ken was in demand as an adjudicator, conductor and clinician at National / Provincial and State music festivals and Universities.  In 1993, he formed the Centralaires Concert Band in Ottawa.

Ken and Marie have spent their retirement travelling throughout Europe and Canada and the U.S. with their camper trailer. They moved into the Empress Retirement Home, in Kanata, in 2018.

Alain “Al” Gilbert Rozon (aka Henderson)

1969-2025

Peacefully, on November 4th, 2025 at the age of 56, holding hands with his partner in crime, Justine and loving mother, Carolyn.

Beloved spouse of 10 years to Justine Newby. Extremely proud father to Tanis Rozon, Silas Rozon, and Raymond Hanniman. Cherished son to Carolyn Milford (Gary) and Gib Rozon (Cathy Leblanc). Dear brother to Dan Rozon (Shari), Andrea (Todd Murray), Keith Milford (Charlene), and Rick Milford (Steffie). Loving son-in-law of Gisele Oakley (Steve Davies), Alan Newby (Brenda Johnson), Brian Oakley, and brother-in-law Samuel Oakley (Heather). Al also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and far too many friends to name.

Al was a Trekkie, a Whovian, a writer, an artist, a lyricist, a singer, a true musician, an absolute comedian, a magician, a prankster, a gamer, a game master, a cook, an accent imitator (for better or worse), and a man of wisdom. He was that person, that when he entered the room, he had everyone’s attention. And for many of us, in recent years his rage/updates of the Orleans Street Sweeper Saga kept us all entertained.

Additionally, although he was not in a position to talk about his line of work – he was proud of what his team and he accomplished every day.

Our family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the dispatcher and the three Ottawa Paramedics that responded to our 911 call, the emergency team, the imaging technicians, the laboratory technologists, and the surgeons of the Montfort Hospital. In addition to the many, many nurses, and physicians of the Montfort Intensive Care Unit. A very special mention to the Transplant Team in Toronto that helped from a far with your recommendations to save our dear Al. Our family would also like to extend a thank you to the staff of JSI, Heritage, and to all those that have reached out to share stories, love, and support at such a difficult time – you know who you are and it means the world.

In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations to the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition or to the Montfort Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.

Next time you hear Metallica on the radio – crank it and make sure to put Lars to shame with your steering wheel drums – make Al proud

 

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

Employer Payroll Service:

When the services of an Employer Payroll Service are required, that fee will be calculated at 25% of each contract total.

This amendment reflects what is happening on a national level.

New Members

Cayen, Hugo – Percussion

Davidson, Peter – Drums

Fine, Jamie – Vocalist

Helferty, Christine – Vocalist, Piano

Lafleur, Jean-Peirre – Trumpet, French Horn

Lafleur, Philippe – Violin, Piano

McNelly, Geoffrey – Turntables

Phillbert, Paul 

Poirier, Braeden – Guitar

Sigouin, Daniel – Drums, Guitar

Snippe, Grace – Cello

St. Jules, Matthieu – Guitar, Vocalist, Drums

Resigned

 

Suspended

 

Our mailing address is:

The Musicians’ Association of Ottawa-Gatineau
Local 180
280 Metcalfe Street, Suite 301
Ottawa, ON K2P 1R7

2AFM ID Numbers

Dear Members,

For the purposes of filing contracts, the Musicians’ Pension Fund of Canada has done a great deal of work to protect the privacy of members in terms of SIN numbers. Canadian Locals are now permitted to use an AFM ID number in lieu of a SIN number on all contracts.

When sending funds from the Local 180 office, we will require you to know your AFM ID number.

Beginning in January this year, the office has included your AFM ID number on your membership dues receipt, which you received in the mail.

You may also go to cfmusicians.org and register there to obtain your AFM ID number and update any information. The good thing about registering on the site is that when you update your personal information, it is also received in the office so that we are current. 

LOCAL OFFICE HOURS

Monday to Friday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Attention Members!!!

Due to popular demand members may now pay membership dues using E-Mail Transfer using the email address

dues@ma180.org

Once we process the transfer, we will send you an electronic receipt.

____________

If you are planning to file contracts electronically in 2025, please use
our new e-mail address: 

contracts@ma180.org

Thank you!

_____________

YOU’VE GOT MAIL & MONEY TO DEPOSIT!!!

Do we have your current email address?

The Local 180 Office sends out important advisories to members by email and we want to make sure that you’re reachable. This year the Local will also be paying most musicians using E-Transfer and Direct Deposit, so we MUST have your correct e-mail address.

Please notify the office of any changes to your contact information. Include your phone number, home address and email address.

Call (613)700-9260 to make sure that we have your correct contact information.

A REMINDER ABOUT EXPELLED MEMBERS

A person who has been expelled from our Association is no longer a member of the Association or the AFM. Members and leaders are reminded:

Do not play engagements with non-members. Persons are generally expelled for serious violations of our Constitution and Bylaws. Expulsion is not a life sentence; the individual has the right to settle these matters with the Board and regain member status. But until that step has been taken, we urge leaders and members not to give non-member rights and privileges which belong only to members.

2025 DUES

Regular Member

Yearly Before Jan 31st: $232.00

Yearly After Jan 31st: $242.00

Half Year: $132.00

Quarterly: $67.00

Life Members

Yearly Before Jan 31st: $120.00

Yearly After Jan 31st: $130.00

Half Year: $67.00

Quarterly: $34.50

PENALTIES

TO REINSTATE FROM RESIGNING IN GOOD STANDING – $10.00

TO REINSTATE FROM SUSPENSION – $35.00

TO REINSTATE FROM EXPULSION – $45.00

Attention: all contractors, leaders, and musicians

For performances posted online, there is a new requirement.

The General Production Agreement (GPA) is mandatory for the protection members.

The GPA is mandatory for:

any engagement that is live streamed.

any live engagement that is posted online for public viewing.

Every clause in the price list is subject to the use of the GPA when engagements are live streamed and/or posted online.

A GPA is essential to protect the digital image of members if a third party exploits a performance that is publicly available online. See Local 180’s recently updated price list for current information.

To protect members, contractors must:

  • ask clients whether the engagement will be live-streamed, posted publicly, or be kept for archival purposes (no GPA is required for strictly archival purposes; however, Local 180 has a report form that contractors must complete)

 

  • contact the Secretary-Treasurer of Local 180 to complete a GPA when an engagement will be live-streamed or posted publicly.

 

It is the duty of the contractor and leader to ensure that members are properly protected.

If a client live streams or posts a performance publicly and GPA is not in place, contractors, leaders, and musicians should contact the Secretary-Treasurer promptly to guarantee the protection of members.

The Local 180 office will work with you to make the contract process for the GPA an easy one!

 

ATTENTION MUSIC TEACHERS!!!

If you would like to have your name included in the Music Teacher’s Directory on the ma180.org website, please contact Dan Blackwell who is currently collecting the data.

Please include all teaching disciplines.

EG: Vocals, Guitar, Violin, Percussion etc. etc.

This database will be featured on the ma180.org website.

Thank you!

MUSICIANS’ MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY ONLINE

Members have requested that we maintain a current and accurate copy of the Local Membership Directory found in the Members’ Only section of our website.

However, we do have members who wish to keep certain information found in the directory private.

If you would like to ensure that your privacy is protected, please let us know.

Please contact either Robin or Dan.

There is money in music

Click on the Artisti logo to find out how easy it is to get.

Your business is music to our ears.

You spend hours perfecting your talent and invest in equipment which allows you to express it.

HUB International is in-tune with your needs and has you covered.

PROGRAM FEATURES

HUB PROGRAM COVERAGES

  • All-risks’ coverage on your instruments and equipment

  • Worldwide coverage – no Territory Exception

  • Rental Reimbursement — up to $10,000 in coverage, if you need to rent instruments or
    equipment in the event of a loss

  • $100 deductible per occurrence on instruments and equipment, as opposed to other proposed rates are $250

  • Up to $2,500 coverage on promotion material, T-shirts, CD’s, posters, etc.

  • Loss of earnings up to $5,000 due to loss or damage to venue

  • Loss of earning up to $5,000 due to loss or damage to equipment

  • Locked vehicle – no exclusion

  • Rented, Leased or Borrowed Equipment, $10,000 limit up to 30 consecutive days

  • Optional Commercial General Liability including bodily injury, property damage, medical payments, tenants legal liability and non-owned automobile

 

RATES AND PREMIUMS

  • $2.20 rate per $100 sum insured for Instruments and Equipment ($100 deductible)

Liability rates ($500 deductible):

  • $1,000,000 limit – $66/member

  • $2,000,000 – $127/member
    Higher limits available upon request