Canadian artists speak out against anti-trans legislation.
The Tegan and Sara Foundation released an open letter signed by some of Canada's most famous musicians and entertainers including Neil Young, Alanis Morissette, Elliot Page, kd lang, Sarah McLachlan, Carly Rae Jepsen and many more. The letter entitled Artists Against Anti-Transgender Legislation in Canada, has over 400 signatories. Its publication date, March 31, is also Trans Day of Visibility.
Led by indie pop siblings Tegan and Sara, the open letter is an explicit rebuttal to recent and ongoing legislation that restricts transgender rights in several Canadian provinces.
“We are moving toward more harmful anti-trans legislation in Canada and are calling on our communities and local and national policy makers to stop the rise of anti-trans politics,” the letter says.
Saskatchewan and New Brunswick have both implemented policies requiring parental consent for teachers to use preferred names and preferred pronouns for students under the age of sixteen. In February, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced plans for policy changes in LGBTQ+ healthcare, education and sport, including banning hormone therapy and puberty blockers for transgender youth. Smith's policies would also require parental consent for students to participate in educational instruction related to sexual orientation and gender identity.
Nationally, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre did recent comments stating that he would support banning transgender women from women's sports and restrooms. With the federal election on the horizon, LGBTQ+ rights could face upheaval across the country.
“Far-right groups tap into fear and pit us against each other to create a Canada where we fear difference,” the letter reads. “Government should never come between parents, their children and evidence-based health care and support.”
While the letter is primarily written to effect change within the country, it also combats the perception of Canada as a haven for human rights. “The reality is that Canada is not immune to the global assault on the trans community and their access to inclusive spaces, health care and freedoms.” – Rosie Long Decter
The industry remembers Trailblazing Booking Agent and Label Executive Pegi Cecconi
Pegi (Margaret Anne) Cecconipioneer Canadian booking agent and record executive, died March 28, age 70. He was battling PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy).
Her enormous impact on the Canadian music industry over nearly five decades was rightfully recognized in 2020 when she received the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award at the Juno Awards, only the third woman to receive this prestigious honor.
An obituary published by Cecconi's family for her Facebook page noted, “As a social convention, Pegi booked bands for school dances, an undertaking that required serious toughness when dealing with performers and patrons alike. It was a quality that prepared her well for her top career in the male-dominated entertainment industry, where she would thrive for nearly 50 years.”
Female booking agents were rare in the '70s when Cecconi started, but she made her name helping to found SRO Management and later the Anthem record label. It started with a small roster led by Rush and Max Webster, along with Liverpool and A Foot in Coldwater. Before Anthem, Rush was at Moon Records and the three members, Geddy Lee, Neil Peart and Alex Lifeson, became co-managers of Anthem.
Decades of work with Rush is a clear highlight on Cecconi's resume. Upon learning of Cecconi's death, Rush frontman Geddy Lee posted this tribute to Cecconi on Instagram: “Pegi Cecconi – whose laugh could be heard the moment she entered any venue. Thanks Peg, for 50 years of having our backs…wherever you go, they're not ready for you!”
During her long career, Cecconi took on prominent roles in some of the major trade organizations of the Canadian music industry. He has long served on the board of directors of both the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) and The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent On Recordings (FACTOR), also serving as president and treasurer of the latter. He also served on the board of MMF Canada, receiving the Brian Chater Pioneers Award in 2015, and held positions on the Independent Digital Licensing Agency (IDLA) and the Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency (CMRRA).
Equally important was her invaluable role as a mentor and role model for women who wanted to succeed in the male-dominated world of the Canadian music business. The various tributes to Cecconi on social media posts after her death certainly attest to that.
Read more tributes from all aspects of the Canadian industry here. – Kerry Dull
