(TORONTO, ON) December 20, 2024 — Today, the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) and the Canadian Federation of Musicians (CFM) announced the successful conclusion of negotiations and ratification of the first-ever Independent Production Agreement, establishing the terms, conditions, and rates for musicians engaged on English-language independent productions in Canada. 

“We are pleased to have reached a historic agreement with the CFM that recognizes the instrumental role of musicians in storytelling and the artistic value of music in enhancing Canadian productions,” said Sean Porter, the CMPA’s Vice President of National Industrial Relations and Counsel. “I thank the individuals on both sides of the table for their commitment to singing from the same song sheet and reaching a fair agreement through the collective bargaining process. The CMPA also thanks the late Alan Willaert, who led the CFM negotiation team for much of these negotiations and who was a valued bargaining partner and unwavering advocate for Canadian musicians.”

“I am incredibly proud to announce the ratification of the first-ever agreement between the CFM and the Canadian Media Producers Association. This agreement will not only bring more work to our members but also streamline the contracting process for independent producers, fostering a more collaborative and productive environment for the Canadian film and television industry,” said Allistair Elliott, AFM Vice President from Canada. “Additionally, this achievement is a testament to the dedication of former AFM Vice President from Canada Alan Willaert, whose vision and tireless efforts guided this negotiation for six years. Alan’s legacy of service to our members will forever be remembered.”

The three-year agreement, which commences January 1, 2025, and expires December 31, 2027, has now been fully ratified by both parties. 

– 30 –

ABOUT THE CMPA
The Canadian Media Producers Association is the national advocacy organization for independent producers, representing hundreds of companies engaged in the development, production, and distribution of English-language content made for television, cinema, and digital media channels. For more than 75 years, the CMPA has worked to promote the continued success of the Canadian production sector and to ensure a bright future for the diverse content made by our members for both domestic and international audiences. cmpa.ca

ABOUT THE CFM
The Canadian Federation of Musicians (CFM) is the Canadian national office of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM). AFM is comprised of 200 local offices across North America, collectively representing 70,000 professional musicians, 15,000 of whom live and work in Canada.  Proudly celebrating 45 years of service, CFM is uniquely positioned to address Canadian issues and provides vital resources for Canadian musicians at any stage in their careers.   


For more information:

CMPA MEDIA CONTACT
Gamiela Fereg
Senior Manager, Media Relations & Communications, CMPA
gamiela.fereg@cmpa.ca

CFM MEDIA CONTACT
Antoinette Follett
Director of Communications/Public Relations, AFM
afollett@afm.org