AFM CANADA ANNOUNCES NAME CHANGE
Leading Professional Musician’s Association to Operate as Canadian Federation of Musicians
Wednesday, November 3, 2010– AFM Canada announces the change of its corporate name to Canadian Federation of Musicians (CFM). While CFM remains a constituent body of Canadian Locals of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada, the new operating name offers a more precise recognition of the organization’s distinctly Canadian mandate which assists musicians in maintaining professional standards across the board.
“This re-branding is simply a natural next step in our commitment to best represent the individual needs of our Canadian membership,” explains Bill Skolnik, AFM Vice President from Canada & CFM Chief Executive Officer. “All services and resources continue to be offered in both official languages and are created in keeping with the laws and professional environment that our membership operates within.”
CFM is committed to raising industry standards and placing the professional musician in the foreground of the Canadian cultural landscape. As a complementary, yet distinctly Canadian division of the American Federation of Musicians, United States and Canada, CFM is an international association that diligently works to protect ownership of recorded music; negotiates fair agreements and procures benefits, such as health care and pension, for its membership; and actively lobbies legislators on copyright reform and other matters of interest to all performing and recording musicians both at home and abroad.
One of the many industry-wide initiatives supported by CFM is the 2010 Canadian Conference of the Arts (CCA), a national forum for the arts and cultural community in Canada. Concluding today in Ottawa, this year’s conference theme, Artists: Powering the Creative Economy?, seeks to investigate and spark debate on the shape of the evolving global economy and the role played by Canadian artists within this innovative ecology.
“As a leading voice in policy change, CFM looks to ensure that Canada will be at the forefront in this new economy,” comments Skolnik. “The CCA conference provides an excellent opportunity to explore the role we, as an industry, will have in helping Canadian artists reach their full potential.”
CFM’s most recent sponsorships also include a CIMA member showcase presented in partnership with ACTRA-RACS, as well as sponsorship of 2010 Atlantic Film Festival.
Building on AFM Canada’s long and successful legacy, CFM will continue furthering the particular interests and needs of professional musicians who earn their living in this country. Everyday CFM helps thousands of musicians with any number of issues related to the recording and performing of their craft.
American Federation of Musicians, United States and Canada draws on the experience and strength of more than 90,000 musicians, with over 17,000 active members in Canada alone. Proudly celebrating 31 remarkable 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 please visit us at www.cfmusicians.org×€ CFM on twitter×€ CFM on facebook.
