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
Spotlight on Robin Moir
Once again, we are going to depart from tradition in this issue of the News Harp. We usually feature one of our musicians, but this time we’re going a bit closer to home. We are taking the unusual step of highlighting the career of Robin Moir, who has been Secretary-Treasurer of Local 180 since 2010. The story of her career was written by her.
It may seem a bit self-serving to shine the spotlight on one of the members of the Executive Board, but we’re so proud of the fact that Robin was recently named as an Ottawa Woman of Distinction for her lifetime of service to the music industry. We who work closely with her can attest to her energy, her wide range of helpful ideas, and her utter devotion not only to Local 180 and its members but to all of the musicians in the AFM, especially those in Canada.
Robin was invited to a celebration in recognition of her award. It took place on April 1, 2025, at La Maison de la francophonie d’Ottawa. His Worship, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, was in attendance to offer a congratulatory message, followed by the guest speaker, Honourable Senator Kim Pate.
Here is the letter that Robin received:
March 3, 2025
Dear Ms. Moir,
On behalf of our Executive, team, and fellow citizens, we THANK YOU for your exceptional spirit and commitment to making Ottawa a better place for all!
Based on your outstanding contributions, we are very pleased to recognize you as an Honouree of Femmes remarquables Ottawa Distinguished Women in the category of Lifetime Contribution.
With over 50 years of experience in the entertainment industry, you are highly regarded for your exceptional musical achievements, dedication to supporting fellow musicians, and commitment to inspiring emerging artists. Your contributions extend beyond performance, with your involvement in charitable initiatives and organizations, demonstrating a deep commitment to both the arts and the community.
The next process will be to formalize your biography for our website: www.FROttawaDW.ca. The nomination statement submitted will be used as the basis for your biography and, once prepared, it will be submitted to you for your review and approval before adding it to the site. Our goal is to capture your exceptional spirit and the impact of your contributions to Ottawans.
We are also hosting a Special Celebration on April 1st in recognition of you and other honourees. Please see invitation attached.
Again, we thank you for your vision and selfless and countless contributions that have greatly impacted our beloved City and we hope that your story will inspire others to follow in your footsteps so that we may continue to make Ottawa a more benevolent, stronger, and inclusive municipality.
Sincerely,
Maria Ricci,
Chair
Francine
Rapport de la président
En vedette: Robin Moir
Une fois de plus, nous dérogeons à la tradition dans ce numéro du News Harp. Nous mettons habituellement en vedette l’une de nos musicien.ne.s, mais cette fois-ci, nous nous rapprochons un peu plus de nous. Nous prenons la décision inhabituelle de souligner la carrière de Robin Moir, secrétaire-trésorière de la section locale 180 depuis 2010. C’est elle qui nous a écrit l’histoire de sa carrière.
Il peut sembler un peu égoïste de mettre en lumière l’une des membres du comité exécutif, mais nous sommes très fiers que Robin ait récemment été nommée Femme de mérite d’Ottawa, pour sa vie engagée au service de l’industrie musicale. Nous, qui travaillons en étroite collaboration avec elle, pouvons témoigner de son énergie, de ses idées variées et de son dévouement sans faille, non seulement envers la section locale 180 et ses membres, mais aussi envers tous les musiciens de l’AFM, en particulier ceux du Canada.
Robin a été invitée à une cérémonie en reconnaissance de son prix, qui a eu lieu le 1er avril 2025 à la Maison de la francophonie d’Ottawa. Son Honneur le maire Mark Sutcliffe, était présent pour offrir un message de félicitations, suivi de la conférencière invitée, l’honorable sénatrice Kim Pate.
Voici la lettre que Robin a reçue :
3 mars 2025
Chère Madame Moir,
Au nom de notre direction, de notre équipe et de nos concitoyens, nous vous remercions pour votre esprit exceptionnel et votre engagement à faire d’Ottawa un monde meilleur pour tous !
En raison de vos contributions exceptionnelles, nous sommes très heureux de vous reconnaître comme lauréate de Femmes remarquables d’Ottawa dans la catégorie Contribution de toute une vie.
Avec plus de 50 ans d’expérience dans le monde du spectacle, vous êtes hautement reconnue pour vos réalisations musicales exceptionnelles, votre dévouement à soutenir vos collègues musiciens et votre engagement à inspirer les artistes émergents. Vos contributions vont au-delà de la performance, avec votre implication dans des initiatives et des organismes de bienfaisance, démontrant un profond engagement envers les arts et la communauté.
La prochaine étape consistera à officialiser votre biographie pour notre site web : www.FROttawaDW.ca. La déclaration de candidature soumise servira de base à votre biographie et, une fois terminée, elle vous sera soumise pour examen et approbation avant d’être publiée sur le site. Notre objectif est de mettre en valeur votre esprit exceptionnel et l’impact de vos contributions sur la population d’Ottawa.
Nous organisons également une célébration spéciale le 1er avril en votre honneur et en celui des lauréats. Veuillez consulter l’invitation ci-jointe.
Nous vous remercions encore une fois pour votre vision, ainsi que vos innombrables et généreuses contributions. Elles ont eu un impact considérable sur notre chère ville. Nous espérons que votre histoire inspirera d’autres personnes à suivre vos traces, afin que nous puissions continuer à faire d’Ottawa une municipalité plus bienveillante, plus forte et plus inclusive.
Sincèrement,
Maria Ricci,
Présidente
Francine
Secretary Treasurer’s Message
Robin Moir
Dear Members,
I want to remind the membership that Local 180 has been singled out for exciting times. Ottawa-Gatineau has been chosen as the host-city for the AFM Convention in 2026! That means that delegates from all over Canada and the United States will visit our city in June 2026 to discuss the ways in which we can all work together to make life better for musicians! The details are being worked out now, and the Local will keep you updated on the specifics.
Francine and I know only too well that this is a unique opportunity for our members to visit the Convention floor and see how the work is done, what is discussed and what is accomplished. We will make every effort to ensure that you are all completely aware of what is happening.
Coming up for Canadian locals is the yearly Canadian Conference. Although this conference is usually held in early summer, this year it will take place August 8-10, 2025, in concert with the OCSM (Organization of Canadian Symphony Musicians) in Toronto.
CONTRACTS
I am happy to report that many more of you are filing contracts and takin’ care of business… (another song title from another era!). It is heartening for us to process the pension contributions that you will enjoy in the future.
However, the intricacies of the contracts are still an issue with many, especially newer members. The age-old problem is always that there is a time lapse between filing contracts, and many of the variables change from engagement to engagement…it is not a one-size-fits-all scenario.
To that end, the Local has created an Excel spreadsheet report and contract for office use. to prepare the contracts for leaders/contractors. If you are a contractor who needs help with writing a contract, Local 180 will help you set it up. Here is the information we would need from you:
• Leader
• Date of Engagement
• Place of Engagement
• Date of Rehearsal(s) (if any)
• Place of Rehearsal(s) (if pertinent)
• Local 180 members (no AFM ID needed as we have that information)
• Members of other locals and their local number
• Non-member musicians (we will need their address and SIN number so we can make them a temporary member for the engagement)
• Members being paid a premium (i.e., co- leaders, co-contractors, principals, doubling, tripling, etc.)
• Please also indicate the members who collect HST and their HST number.
• All extra expenses such as cartage, mileage, overscale payments
In terms of overtime, once a leader ascertains that overtime is needed, we will add that to the contract.
However, before overtime may be considered, the engager must be made aware of it by the leader/contractor and presented with an updated contract (which the office will prepare).
If the contract has already been signed, we would ask that the engager initial the overtime costs.
Leaders/Contractors will be asked to review the report to make sure that the details are correct and sign the contract, it will then be sent to the Engager for signature.
Please note the following:
We cannot send a contract to the pension office unless it is signed by both parties.
We cannot send a contract to the pension office unless we have received the pension funds.
We cannot send a contract to the pension office unless we have received Temporary Members’ SIN numbers and home addresses.
Once we receive the funds Leaders/Contractors will be issued a receipt.
Pension Contributions and Work Dues may be paid to the Local in one payment at dues@ma180.org. Leaders/Contractors may also pay by cheque.
There seem to be several reasons that have led to contracts languishing in the office with pension contributions being unsent. The most common causes are:
• An unsigned contract
• Scale rates that have not been properly calculated
• Premium rates that have not been properly calculated
• Incorrect pension rate percentages
• Lack of payments to the Local for either pension or work dues
• Lack of Temporary Member’s SIN number and home address
• Inability to get the signatures (In the past the Local has sought permission from the leader/contractor to sign on their behalf. We will continue this practice if we receive appropriate permission).
• The most difficult is the time it takes to complete and tie up all the loose ends amidst copious emails and phone calls.
One final issue that can help us enormously: we understand that the Local can make mistakes as well!!! We ask that if as a leader/contractor you have sent us funds, either as a direct deposit, e-transfer or cheque, and you have NOT received a receipt, you must call us immediately to let us know!!!
We are confident that this new system will be extremely helpful to our members.
There is no extra charge to members for this service. This is an effort to ensure that musicians hired for an engagement are properly protected by a contract and receive the appropriate pension contributions.
And while we are on the topic of contracts and scale rates — the 2026 Price List Committee has provided the proposed 2026 Price List in this News Harp. I ask that all members study the Price List closely. The membership will vote on this proposed 2026 Price List at the GM on June 9, 2025.
I want to thank the Price List Committee for their commitment to Local 180: Chair Kevin James, Jo Ann Simpson, Dan Blackwell, Brigitte Amyot and Michael Mullin.
The work of musicians in the Local, the work of the officers and board members, and the work of members on committees continue to make Local 180 one of the finest Locals in the Federation, and to quote yet another great song…”we can’t return, we can only look behind from where we came, and go round and round and round in the circle game”
Robin
Rapport de la secrétaire trésorière
Chers membres,
Je tiens à rappeler à tous les membres que la section locale 180 a été choisie pour des moments passionnants. Ottawa-Gatineau a été choisie comme ville hôte du congrès de l’AFM en 2026 ! Cela signifie que des délégués de partout au Canada et aux États-Unis visiteront notre ville en juin 2026 pour discuter des façons dont nous pouvons tous collaborer pour améliorer la vie des musiciens ! Les détails sont en cours d’élaboration et la section locale vous tiendra au courant.
Francine et moi savons pertinemment qu’il s’agit d’une occasion unique pour nos membres de visiter les lieux du congrès et de constater le déroulement du travail, les discussions et les réalisations. Nous mettrons tout en œuvre pour que vous soyez tous pleinement informés de ce qui se passe.
Les sections locales canadiennes auront bientôt leur congrès annuel. Bien que ce congrès se tienne habituellement au début de l’été, il aura lieu cette année du 8 au 10 août 2025, en collaboration avec l’OCSM (Organisation des musiciens classiques et symphoniques) à Toronto.
Contrats
Je suis heureuse d’annoncer que vous êtes nombreux à remplir vos contrats et à vous occuper de vos affaires… (encore un titre de chanson d’une autre époque !). Il est encourageant pour nous de traiter les cotisations de retraite dont vous bénéficierez à l’avenir. Cependant, la complexité des contrats demeure un problème pour de nombreux membres, en particulier les nouveaux membres. Le problème récurrent est le délai entre le dépôt des contrats, et de nombreuses variables changent d’un engagement à l’autre… il n’existe pas de solution universelle.
À cette fin, la section locale a créé un rapport et un contrat Excel à l’usage du bureau pour préparer les contrats des dirigeants et des entrepreneurs. Si vous êtes un entrepreneur et que vous avez besoin d’aide pour rédiger un contrat, la Section locale 180 vous aidera à le mettre en place. Voici les informations dont nous aurons besoin :
• Responsable
• Date d’engagement
• Lieu d’engagement
• Date de répétition (le cas échéant)
• Lieu de répétition (le cas échéant)
• Membres de la Section locale 180 (aucun numéro d’identification de l’AFM n’est requis, car nous disposons de ces informations)
• Membres d’autres sections locales et leur numéro de section locale
• Musiciens non membres (nous aurons besoin de leur adresse et de leur numéro d’assurance sociale afin de les inscrire comme membres temporaires pour l’engagement)
• Membres recevant une prime (p. ex., co-responsables, co-entrepreneurs, mandants, doublement, triplement, etc.)
• Veuillez également indiquer les membres qui perçoivent la TVH et leur numéro de TVH.
• Toutes les dépenses supplémentaires telles que le transport, le kilométrage, les paiements excédentaires.
Concernant les heures supplémentaires, dès qu’un responsable constate que des heures supplémentaires sont nécessaires, nous les ajouterons au contrat. Toutefois, avant que les heures supplémentaires puissent être prises en compte, l’employeur doit en être informé par le responsable/l’entrepreneur et recevoir un contrat mis à jour (que le bureau préparera). Si le contrat a déjà été signé, nous demandons à l’employeur de parapher les coûts des heures supplémentaires.
Les responsables/entrepreneurs seront invités à examiner le rapport pour s’assurer de l’exactitude des informations et à signer le contrat. Ce dernier sera ensuite envoyé à l’employeur pour signature.
Veuillez noter ce qui suit :
- Nous ne pouvons pas envoyer de contrat au bureau des pensions sans qu’il soit signé par les deux parties.
- Nous ne pouvons pas envoyer de contrat au bureau des pensions sans avoir reçu les fonds de pension.
- Nous ne pouvons pas envoyer de contrat au bureau des pensions sans avoir reçu les numéros d’assurance sociale et les adresses domiciliaires des membres temporaires.
Une fois les fonds reçus, les responsables/entrepreneurs recevront un reçu.
Les cotisations de retraite et les cotisations professionnelles peuvent être versées à la section locale en un seul versement à l’adresse dues@ma180.org. Les responsables/entrepreneurs peuvent également payer par chèque.
Plusieurs raisons semblent expliquer l’enlisement des contrats au bureau, les cotisations de retraite n’ayant pas été versées. Les causes les plus fréquentes sont :
• Contrat non signé
• Taux de barème mal calculés
• Taux de prime mal calculés
• Pourcentage de taux de retraite incorrect
• Absence de versements à la section locale pour les cotisations de retraite ou de travail
• Absence de numéro d’assurance sociale (NAS) et d’adresse du domicile du membre temporaire
• Impossibilité d’obtenir les signatures (par le passé, la section locale demandait l’autorisation du dirigeant/contractant de signer en son nom. Nous maintiendrons cette pratique si nous obtenons l’autorisation appropriée).
• Le plus difficile est le temps nécessaire pour finaliser et finaliser tous les détails, malgré les nombreux courriels et appels téléphoniques.
Un dernier point qui peut nous être d’une grande aide : nous comprenons que la section locale peut aussi commettre des erreurs ! Si, en tant que dirigeant/contractant, vous nous avez envoyé des fonds, que ce soit par dépôt direct, virement électronique ou chèque, et que vous n’avez PAS reçu de reçu, veuillez nous appeler immédiatement pour nous en informer !
Nous sommes convaincus que ce nouveau système sera extrêmement utile à nos membres.
Ce service est gratuit pour les membres. Il s’agit d’une mesure visant à garantir que les musiciens engagés pour un engagement bénéficient d’une protection contractuelle adéquate et perçoivent les cotisations de retraite appropriées.
Et puisque nous parlons de contrats et de barèmes, le Comité des tarifs 2026 a publié la liste des tarifs proposée dans ce numéro de News Harp. Je demande à tous les membres de l’examiner attentivement. Les membres voteront sur cette liste lors de l’assemblée générale du 9 juin 2025.
Je tiens à remercier le Comité des tarifs pour son engagement envers la section locale 180 : le président Kevin James, Jo Ann Simpson, Dan Blackwell, Brigitte Amyot et Michael Mullin.
Le travail des musiciens de la section locale, celui des dirigeants et des membres du conseil d’administration, ainsi que celui des membres des comités, continuent de faire de la section locale 180 l’une des meilleures de la Fédération. Et pour citer une autre belle chanson : « Nous ne pouvons pas revenir en arrière, nous ne pouvons que regarder derrière nous et tourner en rond. »
Robin
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.
PROPOSED 2026 PRICELIST CHANGES
PROPOSED EXECUTIVE BOARD AND
EMPLOYEES CODE OF CONDUCT
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to set out minimum standards of ethical conduct expected of all members of the Musicians’ Association of Ottawa-Gatineau, Local 180 AFM, and employees of the Association, including those appointed or elected, voting or non-voting, and emeritus officers.
2. DUTIES
2.1 The effective governance of the Musicians’ Association is contingent on Board members fulfilling their roles and responsibilities with the highest standard of conduct. Board members have a duty to be responsible first and foremost to the welfare of the Musicians’ Association and must function primarily as a member of the Board, not as a member of any particular constituency.
2.2. Board members are expected to act at all times in a prudent and diligent manner by regularly attending meetings and adequately preparing for and executing the duties expected of them.
2.3 Board members have a duty to maintain the confidentiality of information received in the course of their duties and to not use such information for any purpose other than that of undertaking the work of the Board.
2.4. Board members shall act in accordance with the principle that the Board speaks with one voice. The President or someone designated by the President represents the Board in public, and Board members must refer to the President for public comments about the Board and its decisions.
3. COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW
3.1 Board members shall act at all times in full compliance with both the letter and the spirit of all applicable laws.
3.2. Board members shall not only comply fully with the law but shall also avoid any situation which could be perceived as improper or indicate a casual attitude towards compliance.
4. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
4.1 A Board member shall not use his or her position with the Musicians’ Association to pursue or advance the Board member’s personal interests, the interests of a related person, the Board member’s business associate, corporation, union or partnership, or the interests of a person to whom the Board member owes an obligation.
4.2 A Board member shall not take personal advantage of any opportunity available to the Musicians’ Association unless the Musicians’ Association has clearly and irrevocably decided against the opportunity, and the opportunity is also available to the public.
4.3. Board members shall fully disclose all circumstances that could conceivably be construed as a conflict of interest.
4.4 If a Board member is in doubt as to whether a situation involves a conflict, the Board members shall immediately seek the advice of the President. If appropriate, the Board may wish to seek advice from the office of the Vice President from Canada of the AFM.
4.5 After disclosing the conflict, the Board member shall not take part in the discussion of the matter or vote on any questions in respect of the matter, although the Board member may be counted in the quorum present at the Board meeting.
4.6. If a Board member is concerned that another Board member is in a conflict-of-interest situation, the Board member shall immediately bring his or her concern to the other Board member’s attention and request that the conflict be cleared. If the other Board member refuses to declare the conflict, the Board member shall immediately bring his or her concern to the attention of the President. If there is a concern with the President, the issue shall be referred to the office of the Vice President from Canada, AFM.
4.7. If a Board member does not agree that a conflict exists, the Board member shall leave the meeting and the President shall put the question to the Board for discussion and vote. A majority ruling shall determine the issue, and the Board’s decision shall be final.
5. OUTSIDE BUSINESS INTERESTS
Board members shall declare possible conflicting outside business activities at the time of appointment. Notwithstanding any outside activities, Board members are required to act in the best interests of the Musicians’ Association.
6. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Board members may have access to confidential information by reason of their employment or their official designation within the Association. Board members must not make such information available unless it is public information or unless otherwise directed to do so by the President. When a Board member is unsure of the status of the information, before making any release he/she shall discuss it with the President, who may see fit to consult with the office of the Vice President from Canada, AFM.
7. MEDIA RELATIONS
Only the President or his/her authorized delegate should comment to the media on Musicians’ Association matters unless otherwise instructed to do so by the Executive Board. This is not intended to restrict the ability of a Board member to express an opinion in matters of general interest, where the Board members makes it clear that he/she is commenting as a private individual and not in his/her capacity as a Board member of the Association.
8. OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT OR ASSOCIATION
A Board member who accepts a position with any organization that could lead to a conflict of interest or situation prejudicial to the interests of the Musicians’ Association shall discuss the implications of accepting such a position with the President, recognizing that acceptance of such a position might require the Board member’s resignation from the Musicians’ Association Executive Board.
9. ENTERTAINMENT, GIFTS AND FAVOURS
9.1 It is essential to fair business practices that all those who associate with the Musicians’ Association as suppliers, contractors or Board members have access to the Musicians’ Association on equal terms.
9.2 Board members and related persons shall not accept entertainment, gifts or favours that create or appear to create a favoured position for doing business with the Musicians’ Association.
9.3 Gifts and entertainment shall only be accepted or offered by a Board member in the normal exchanges common to established business relationships for the Musicians’ Association. An exchange of such gifts shall create no sense of obligation on the part of the Board member.
9.4 Inappropriate gifts received by a Board member shall be returned to the donor.
10. BREACH
A Board member found to have breached his/her duty by violating the minimum standards set out in this document may be liable to disciplinary action as per the AFM and Local 180 Constitution and Bylaws and may lead to grounds for dismissal or forfeiture of office.
11. WHERE TO SEEK CLARIFICATION
Normally, President or the office of the Vice President from Canada, AFM shall be responsible to provide guidance on any item concerning standards of ethical behaviour.
I acknowledge that I have read and considered the Code of Conduct for Board Members of the Musicians’ Guild of Ottawa-Gatineau and agree to conduct myself in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Board members.
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.
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.
Détails de l’application étape par étape
Attend hybrid LOCAL 180 GENERAL MEETING
Monday, June 9th @ 12:00 p.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
Monday, June 9th, 12:00 PM
Please let Dan know (dan@ma180.org) if you will be attending so that we know how much pizza to order.
Robin Moir has been involved in the entertainment industry for more than 50 years.
She is the Secretary-Treasurer of the AFM Local 180, Musicians’ Association of Ottawa-Gatineau as well as Secretary-Treasurer of the Canadian Conference of Musicians.
She is a songwriter, producer, director, and on-camera host who began her career as a singer/songwriter and performer.
She began her musical journey in the small southern Ontario town of Tillsonburg, (at that time with a population of about 3,000). There was one “show” in the town, located on Broadway Avenue (the main street) and it was there in the Strand Theatre that she learned to love showbiz…singing, dancing, and acting. That is really not unlike many who choose a life in entertainment; however, Robin believes that entertainment chose her.
As her mother once said to her, “You were singing before you could talk,” so it was no surprise to her family that she followed that path for the rest of her life.
Her parents moved to London, Ontario, and she began singing lessons at seven years old. Her first teacher, Miss Betty Leake, was positive, fun, encouraging and strict. With her teacher’s confidence instilled in her, she unabashedly claimed to anyone who asked… “I’m going to be a singer.”
What her parents knew, and what she was to find out as the world revealed more of itself to her, was that climbing that mountain was not going to be easy. Once immersed in the world she had chosen during her early years, she had no mentors; there were few women (or men for that matter) from a small town in southern Ontario trying to break into Hollywood.
In 1958 her father was promoted to a new job with the Canadian Government in Ottawa, Ontario, and a musical world truly did open up for her.
Her music lessons continued, and she was given support and encouragement at all of the elementary and high schools that she attended. She began to write songs and sing them at folk festivals and folk clubs first in Ontario, and then further afield across Canada.
In 1967 Robin performed for Queen Elizabeth II on June 30th, on Parliament during Canada’s centennial celebrations on Parliament Hill. She sang for the Queen again, performing the National Anthem at the NAC in 1982. In the late1970s, she was nominated for a Juno Award for Best New Female Vocalist. During those years Robin spent many years performing concerts across Canada. She has appeared on numerous national television and radio shows and a number of CBC radio and television specials.
While still writing and performing she was approached by a CBC producer to function as a talent coordinator for CBC production. This was to change her life in many ways. What she discovered about herself was that she had become someone who could detect talent and ability in artists, and she could coach and elicit performances that surprised even them. She had dialed into her Miss Betty Leakes gift and was paying it forward.
Working behind the scenes with singers and songwriters became her second music career.
Her father had been a member of the First Special Service Force, and she knew first-hand the aftereffects of war on soldiers who made it home, and so working on behalf of Canadian War Veterans was important to her. She and her partner Joe Turner wrote the haunting theme song “Never Again!” for the War Amputations of Canada’s series of videos by the same name. Her musical work with the War Amputations of Canada films has spanned over 30 years and earned her many international awards for her work.
Robin is still making music, and her credits include The Raccoons, Wayne Rostad’s Christmas in the Valley and On the Road Again. She has produced Wayne Rostad’s seasonal Light Up the Night celebration for the past thirty years and continues to work with Wayne in his soft-seat theatre Christmas concerts – Christmas in the Valley.
In 2002, Robin was honoured to receive Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee Medal in recognition of her efforts on behalf of Canadian War Veterans.
Her greatest joy, however, has been to work in the background of the music industry as part of the AFM (the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada), in Canada known as the CFM. She believes that this work is the backbone of the music industry.
The Union promotes the ethics of good business practices, negotiates collective bargaining agreements, and teaches musicians how and why to file contracts. But above all, the Musicians’ Association of Ottawa-Gatineau encourages musicians daily to treat their art and music like a business so that professional musicians may create something solid and meaningful for themselves and for their futures.
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
CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO READ THE STORY
OBITUARIES
Peter Turner and Kyle Jordan
Barbara Zuchowicz, 1948–2025
Barbara Zuchowicz, D.Mus. (Carleton), M.Mus. (New England Conservatory), BFA (Manitoba), was an early music specialist and member of Local 180. She died at home in Ottawa on February 17 at age 76.
Barbara was born in Toronto and had an unusually varied career as a musician, researcher, teacher and visual artist. As a viola da gambist and baroque cellist, she directed innumerable early music performances on period instruments. One of her special interests was music from the earliest days of Canada in the European and French-Canadian traditions. She performed at the Boston Early Music Festival, the Festival de musique sacrée de l’Outaouais and the London Early Music Festival, among others. Barbara’s chamber ensembles, Trio Amsel and La Favoritte, were active from the mid-1980s to the mid-2000s and featured local musicians from Ottawa and Gatineau who performed on period instruments.
She and her husband, early instrument luthier Dominik Zuchowicz (1949–2011), were central figures in Ottawa’s early music scene for years. Barbara created an online gallery of the types of period string instruments he made. Together, their work influenced many and was appreciated at a great number of early music festivals in the United States and beyond.
Barbara was also an accomplished visual artist who had a particular fondness for the still-life form. She studied art formally and was a member of Ottawa’s West End Studio Tour. Her work has been exhibited in artist-run and public galleries.
Early in her career, Barbara was a medical illustrator at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan. In subsequent years, she perceived visual art and music as complementary expressions. An example of her thinking could be found in her music teaching studio, which contained a well-thumbed edition of Gray’s Anatomy. She referred to its famously detailed illustrations to inform students about aspects of the mechanical physiology of playing the cello.
Christian Elliott
1984 – 2025
Cellist, Soloist, Composer, Arranger
Beloved son of Member Garry Elliott
Thank you again for your thoughtful messages of condolence.
Larry Gentle,
May 17, 1950 — May 17, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Larry Gentle, who died peacefully on his 75th birthday. A lifelong musician, devoted father and grandfather, and cherished friend, Larry’s presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Larry lived and breathed music. From his days at the Rock Shop, to time on the road spent performing and recording, he was a cornerstone of Ottawa’s music scene. Many will remember Larry from his years at Steve’s Music Store on Rideau Street, where he was the go-to for all things keyboards, recording gear, and real-world music wisdom. He loved nothing more than jamming with friends—sharing ideas, laughter, and the pure joy of sound.
Larry is survived by his daughter Loryn (Steve) and his grandchildren, Charlotte and Liam. He also leaves behind his loving sisters, Darlene and Brenda (Dave), and his nephew Mark (Jessica) and niece Emily. He was predeceased by his brother Grant (Donna), and by his parents, Barbara and Larry. Larry’s legacy lives on in the music he made, the lives he touched, and every sound he helped shape.
A celebration of his life will be held on June 22 from 2:00-5:00pm at Irene’s Pub, 288 Bank Street, Ottawa.
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
Our mailing address is:
The Musicians’ Association of Ottawa-Gatineau
Local 180
280 Metcalfe Street, Suite 301
Ottawa, ON K2P 1R7
Resigned
Suspended
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
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:
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
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PROGRAM FEATURES
HUB PROGRAM COVERAGES
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All-risks’ coverage on your instruments and equipment
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Worldwide coverage – no Territory Exception
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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
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Up to $2,500 coverage on promotion material, T-shirts, CD’s, posters, etc.
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Loss of earnings up to $5,000 due to loss or damage to venue
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Loss of earning up to $5,000 due to loss or damage to equipment
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Locked vehicle – no exclusion
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Rented, Leased or Borrowed Equipment, $10,000 limit up to 30 consecutive days
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Optional Commercial General Liability including bodily injury, property damage, medical payments, tenants legal liability and non-owned automobile
RATES AND PREMIUMS
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$2.20 rate per $100 sum insured for Instruments and Equipment ($100 deductible)
Liability rates ($500 deductible):
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$1,000,000 limit – $66/member
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$2,000,000 – $127/member
Higher limits available upon request
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APPLY FOR COVERAGE
Cristina Omar| cristina.omar@hubinternational.com | 519-325-1785 | TF:800-463-4700
