its true that until recently there were no restrictions on US performers playing in Canada whereas Canadians had to pay a fee and fill out forms etc. Then, about 5 years ago the rules changed the Canadian authorities decided to do the same and then both sides increased the fee. So I think its about $400 for a p2 visa and it takes at least a month to get it processed. The only real losers are the music fans. My feeling was the same, whatever happened to NAFTA, well it turns out Nafta does not apply to labour only trade. I had a friend whos an auto mechanic and one of his buddies called him when his car broke down (on the US side) when the auto mechanic crossed the border and said he was going to help his buddy out (they said sure but you have to leave you toolbox here) wouldnt want to be taking jobs from Americans.

the $ exchange rate cuts both ways too, the Rogue folk Club in Vancouver has been bringing in wonderful talent over the years but lately because of the visa hassle and the low dollar we dont get the same opportunity to see as many bands as we used to.

case in point, James Kelly and Daithi Sproule were booked to play here last year and were going to do a workshop for fiddle and guitar as well. but about a day before the concert they decided they wanted to be paid in US funds instead of Canadian $ as agreed and when that didnt happen they cancelled the gig.