2024 Just for Laughs comedy festival cancelled, company seeks creditor protection

CBC
·2 min read
Lost revenue during two years of the global pandemic contributed to the company's financial struggles, organizers said. (Vivien Gaumand - image credit)
Lost revenue during two years of the global pandemic contributed to the company's financial struggles, organizers said. (Vivien Gaumand - image credit)

The Montreal company that operates the Just for Laughs comedy festival has cancelled the 2024 edition of the event after filing a notice of intention to make a proposal to creditors — a formal process under Canada's Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.

Seventy-five people were laid off Tuesday morning, according to a festival spokesperson, who called the company's financial situation "unsustainable."

The company cited lost revenues during two years of the global pandemic and challenges facing the media industry, particularly reduced budgets at networks and streaming platforms, as reasons for restructuring.

In a news release sent Tuesday, Groupe Juste pour rire inc. (JPR), said it plans to "maintain JPR's operations, albeit in a scaled-down format" as organizers restructure the event.

Julien Provencher-Proulx of JPR says Toronto's Just for Laughs festival is expected to take place.

"Just for Laughs operates in many markets and the group will maintain a certain level of activity despite today's news," said Provencher-Proulx.

As for Montreal, the statement from JPR says "once the restructuring is completed, we hope that the festival will take place in 2025."

Some of the Montreal shows cancelled so far include:

  • Messmer.

  • Neev.

  • Mélanie Couture.

  • Waitress.

Ticket holders can get refunds either through the venue where they purchased the tickets, or through their credit card company if the tickets were purchased directly through Just for Laughs or on a ticket sales platform.

Sid Khullar, owner and president of the MTL Comedy Club, said the cancellation is "devastating" for Montreal's comedy community.

He said holding shows after the JFL festival and showcases brought a 10 to 20 per cent boost in business to his club.

"It was a big help for us, but it was a big help for everybody in Montreal as well," he said. "Without JFL in the mix, it might be a bit harder, but we'll give it a try."

Local, up-and-coming comedians trying to make a name for themselves will bear the brunt of the festival's absence, says Montreal stand-up comic and JFL veteran Mike Paterson.

"There's less people getting chances," he said. "It really sucks for people who have to rely on this stuff."

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante said she will be asking workers at the city of Montreal to contact JFL and assess its plans for a "flagship event" of Montreal's cultural scene.  

"We will miss the Just For Laughs Festival this summer," Plante said on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Comedy is an integral part of our culture and we will continue to support it."