Editor's note: The source for this story, Drew Riekman, is a member of the CIVL board of directors. 

Local Fraser Valley musician Drew Riekman said that the pandemic has compromised the ability for musicians to make a living.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions put into place by governments, tours are being cancelled. Riekman talks about how touring is the largest revenue stream for small bands and how some of his friends have had their livelihoods taken away over the last year, especially in the United States.

Riekman said that the government needed to have a better response in both protecting public health and helping musicians who have lost a lot during the last year. Riekman adds that the population of the Fraser Valley and small businesses need to show their support for local musicians (Riekman is also a coordinator for the Jam in Jubilee annual local music festival in Abbotsford).

Here is CIVL speaking with Riekman: