The Government of Canada announced that the Copyright Modernization Act, Bill C-11 has received Royal Assent and is now the law of the land.

For more information visit: balancedcopyright.gc.ca

Unedited press release follows:

Ministers Paradis and Moore Welcome Passage by the House of Commons of the Copyright Modernization Act

Ottawa, June 19, 2012—The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, and the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, together welcome the passage by the House of Commons of the Copyright Modernization Act, Bill C-11.

“Our government is creating a modern legislative framework that will strengthen our ability to compete in the global digital economy,” said Minister Paradis. “This legislation balances both the rights of creators and the interests of consumers. It will protect and create jobs across the country while promoting innovation and attracting new investments.”

The passage of Bill C-11 by the House of Commons represents the culmination of extensive consultations by the Harper Government. These began in 2009 with a highly successful online forum and town hall meetings held across the country, followed by a legislative review conducted through two sessions of Parliament, 31 days of committee meetings and over 110 witnesses.

The Bill represents a balanced approach, respecting the everyday activities of Canadians while giving creators and copyright owners the tools they need to protect their work and to grow their business using new and innovative business models. It also ensures that Canada’s copyright laws are forward-looking, flexible and in line with international standards.

“With this new copyright legislation, our government makes a firm statement about the importance of protecting jobs and strengthening our digital economy,” said Minister Moore. “The Copyright Modernization Act balances the needs of creators and users. And, most importantly, it will ensure that creators all across Canada know that their work will be protected in Canada and abroad.”

The Copyright Modernization Act now moves to the Senate for review and debate. Once the Bill passes in the Senate, it will be granted Royal Assent. Before coming into force, the Bill will go through an order-in-council process over the coming months.