The office of the Hamilton Musicians’ Guild, Local 293, AFM will be closed temporarily, however, we will be working remotely and will continue to provide service and advice to members.
Mail will be picked up at the office on a weekly basis and voice messages will be monitored on a daily basis.
Thanks to all Local 293 members who emailed us data regarding cancelled gigs and loss of income.
With the information you reported, we were able to supply data to the Government of Canada for a successful lobbying effort that led to the government setting up the Canadian Emergency Relief Benefit.
NOTE: Cancelled Gigs & Loss of Income Data:
Local 293 does not need any further data regarding cancelled gigs or loss of income information.
Please check the information below to see if you meet the eligibility requirements for the
Canadian Emergency Relief Benefit and if so how to apply (see below).
During this time of unprecedented hardship for musicians and the music industry, we are tirelessly working to advocate on behalf of all musicians to bring some stability and relief to those in-need during the COVID-19 crisis.
Canadian Federation of Musicians (CFM)
Information Website for up-to-date information on COVID 19
This website will be updated on a regular basis
COVID-19 RESOURCES
Updated: March 31, 2020 – 7:30PM EST
CANADIAN EMERGENCY RELIEF BENEFIT
The Government of Canada has announced a new emergency care benefit that will provide employment insurance benefits to cover workers, contract workers, and self-employed workers (this should apply to most musicians). To be eligible to receive this benefit, you must have proof of $5,000 in employment/self-employment income (including maternity or parental leave benefits) in 2019 or over the 12-months before applying.
Applications will be made available by April 6, 2020 and can be done online through the “My Service Canada” or “My CRA” portals, or by a toll-free number with an automated application process (number to-be-provided, check here for updates).
WE STRONGLY URGE THOSE THAT INTEND TO APPLY FOR THIS BENEFIT TO CREATE AN ONLINE ACCOUNT IMMEDIATELY.
The CERB will pay out $2,000 per month, over the next 4 months. Your benefit should arrive 10 days after submitting the application, and payments will be backdated to March 15, 2020. Payment can be delivered through direct deposit, or by mail (expect longer delivery times if receiving the benefit through mail).
These are the eligibility requirements for the CERB as stated in Bill C-13 (see document: HERE):
· be at least 15 years of age, and a resident of Canada.
· for the year of 2019, or in the 12 months preceding your application, has earned at least $5,000 of income (self-employed, employed, and some other benefits accepted)
· the worker (whether self-employed, or employed) has no work (and no income) for 14 consecutive days within the 4-week period prior to application
Please review the following resources for more information:
My Service Canada Online Portal
Government of Canada Emergency Response Benefit News Release: March 25, 2020
Canada Revenue Agency Emergency Tax Benefits
CUPE: Canada Emergency Response Benefit Q&A
Canada Emergency Responce Benefit Act
Local 1000 Letter re: No work for 14 days
COVID-19 Resources for AFM US Members
Take good care and be safe during these unprecedented times.
