Just for Laughs cancels 2024 Toronto festival

A news crew shoots a report in front of the Just for Laughs theatre Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Montreal. The company that runs the annual comedy festival has filed for bankruptcy protection. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

By Michael Ranger

Posted March 7, 2024 11:39 am.

Just for Laughs is clarifying that its Toronto version of the festival will not be taking place this year.

The Montreal Company behind the famous comedy festival, Groupe Juste pour rire Inc. (JPR), announced earlier this week it was cancelling that city’s edition of the event as it tries to avoid bankruptcy.

The company is seeking protection from its creditors as it begins formal restructuring under Canada’s Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.

“Once the restructuring of the organization is completed, JPR hopes that the festival will take place in 2025,” reads a statement.

JPR, which held its first Montreal festival in 1983, blames the pandemic, inflation and the changing entertainment industry for its financial challenges.

It says it is looking for investors or to sell parts of its business.

With files from Kelsey Patterson

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