The Canadian music industry had a meeting to discuss sexual harassment

With #MeToo allegations swirling about Hedley, the Canadian music industry decided to get out front of the issue by holding the inaugural Anti-Harassment Summit in Toronto.

It was a closed-door thing at ACTRA RAC building in Toronto, involving representatives from all across the industry and a Skyped-in Melanie Joly, the Minister of Heritage.

I had an important discussion on harassment, workplace safety with representatives from Canada’s music industry.
Thank you @cfmusicians & @ACTRAnat for organising and hosting this roundtable. pic.twitter.com/wFOMScMN5s

— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) March 1, 2018

Everything was organized by industry unions the Canadian Federation of Musicians (CFM) and the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA).

We were very inspired by today’s conversation with music community members about ending sexual harassment. Thanks to all who participated including @melaniejoly @cfmusicians @TheJUNOAwards @WomenInMusicCA @UnisonFund @MusicCanadaLive and many more!

— Music Canada (@Music_Canada) March 1, 2018

Karen Bliss reports in Billboard:

While media did not attend, Billboard learned that the Minister stressed the federal government’s recent commitment to gender equality and that ACTRA has sexual abuse resources in place for its members, including an after-hours hotline — something the music industry does not.

[…]

The discussion concluded with participants agreeing on a common, public statement:

We commit to a performing arts industry that is safe and respectful. We recognize that increasing equity for marginalized and disenfranchised communities within the sector is an essential part of the solution.

We established working groups today to:

1.   Develop a national code of conduct
2.   Develop resources and internal education materials
3.   Examine sectoral reporting mechanisms
4.   Mentor and foster the next generation in partnership with educational  institutions
5.   Review governance models, board composition and practice

The live performance sector is committed to finding ways to work collectively and with purpose to find solutions. Communication with those who work in and with our sector is essential. We will provide updates on our activities as they become available.

Interesting. Let’s see where this goes.