Cut the Cord.

Support Local AV

Foreign-owned AV companies have locked down venues, inflated prices, and boxed out Canadian businesses. This isn’t fair — and it’s time to take it back.

Support Local. Demand Choice. Sign the Petition.

We’re gathering voices across the country to expose the issue, pressure government and venues, and return fair access to Canadian AV companies.
Your signature is more than a name — it’s a stand for transparency, fairness, and the future of our industry.

Sign the Petition & Join the Movement

What’s Really Happening Behind the Scenes?

Across New Brunswick and Canada, many hotels and venues have exclusive contracts with foreign-owned audiovisual (AV) companies. These “in-house” providers are often the only option offered to clients — regardless of cost, service quality, or where they're based.

Canadian-owned AV businesses are often shut out entirely, unable to bid or offer services — even when they’re the preferred choice.

And when local providers are allowed in, they’re hit with excessive access fees — sometimes over $5,500 per event — just to work in their own province.

This Isn’t Just Business. It’s a Barrier.

No Fair Competition
Exclusive deals lock out Canadian companies, denying them a level playing field.

Clients Pay More
Event planners and organizations are forced to use inflated, bundled packages — with no alternatives.

Public Funds Leave the Province
The Translation Bureau and other government bodies are funneling taxpayer money directly to foreign-owned firms.

Leaders Know — and Look Away
Premier Blaine Higgs has been made aware of this issue — and doesn’t see anything wrong. That’s unacceptable.

Everyone Loses When Local Companies Are Locked Out.

  • Event Organizers: You’re denied choice and overcharged.

  • Venues: You risk losing client trust — and repeat bookings.

  • Local AV Companies: Skilled professionals are pushed aside in their own communities.

  • Taxpayers: Public money leaves Canada with no transparency or accountability.

  • Attendees: You support events — but your dollars don’t support your community.

Cut the Cord is a Movement — Not a Company.

Cut the Cord was launched to advocate for a fair and open AV industry in New Brunswick and across Canada.
This is about principle. About fair competition. About keeping jobs and dollars in the communities where the work happens.

We’re calling for:

✅ Open bidding and fair access to government contracts
✅ Elimination of excessive venue “access fees”
✅ Venue transparency around AV provider policies
✅ Equal opportunity for Canadian AV companies to compete

We’re not asking for handouts — we’re demanding a fair shot.

What You Can Do

📝 Event Organizers: Ask your venue: “Is the AV company local?” Insist on your right to choose.

🏨 Venues: End exclusive restrictions. Work with local AV partners — it’s better for clients, reputation, and the economy.

🎟️ Attendees: Speak up. Ask organizers if the event supports Canadian businesses. Hold them accountable.

📣 Everyone: Share the message. Start the conversation. Tag your venue. Let them know: It’s time to Cut the Cord.


✊ Join the Movement