Allistair Elliott was born just outside Belfast, Northern Ireland. By the age of 17, he excelled at classical trumpet and performed in London, England, and Vienna, Austria. Elliott then moved to England to study. He graduated from Leeds College of Music with a jazz performance degree.

It was when he moved to Canada in 1988 that he first connected with the Canadian Federation of Musicians and Local 547 (Calgary, AB). For Elliott, it became an avenue to network with musicians and get work. Active in the freelance scene, Allistair has been a busy sideman and band leader. In 2008, he won a Canadian smooth jazz award.

Elliott gradually became more involved in union leadership. After sitting on Local 547’s board through the 1990s and 2000s, he became vice president and then president. Ten years ago, Elliott became AFM International Representative for Canada, giving him familiarity with all of the Canadian locals. He has assisted all new officers in learning to navigate AFM/CFM protocols and practices, has represented the CFM and musicians at conferences and panels, and has represented the CFM in lobbying the Canadian government in various matters, most predominantly regarding the ease of musicians traveling on airlines with their instruments.

Elliott was appointed to the position of AFM Vice President from Canada in May 2024 to complete the unexpired term of his predecessor, Alan Willaert, who passed away unexpectedly.