Actually, it isn't only in Canada where common sense and good judgement seems to be lacking on the part of beaurocrats. There was a thread on another folk list serverer a couple of years ago which mentioned the US equivalent of SOCAN was trying to get fees for campfire singarounds at a girl guides event.

I suppose they see this as a commercial business broadcasting the songs and apply the same rules as for a bar. I suppose record stores would also have to pay.

I can see that wording of the legislation could be difficult - much like the squeegy-kid legislation (which I felt was draconian) in Ontario will also affect charities and cxar wash events (and presumably us morris dancers when we bag). But loose interpretation should be allowed with the officials

Rana