A number of organizations representing various public and private interests have chipped in their two cents concerning the Government of Canada’s reintroduction of its copyright reform legislation.
These groups include: Music Canada, the Entertainment Software Association of Canada, Balanced Copyright for Canada, the Canadian Anti-Counterfeiting Network, the Canadian Intellectual Property Council, the Motion Picture Association-Canada, the Canadian Federation of Students, the Retail Council of Canada, the Canadian Photographers Coalition, the Canadian Association of Broadcasters, the Motion Picture Theatre Associations of Canada, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Independent Music Association and the Canadian Library Association.
For more information visit: www.balancedcopyright.gc.ca
Unedited press releases follow:
Music Canada Welcomes Copyright Reform
TORONTO, Sept. 29, 2011 – Music Canada is pleased to see long overdue copyright reform legislation back on the Parliamentary agenda and a strong commitment to get it passed.
“As we’ve witnessed in the past, the process is important and knowing that the government is committed to ensuring this bill advances into law, unlike its three predecessors, is gratifying,” says Graham Henderson, President of Music Canada. “Like any bill, we are fully confident it will undergo changes in committee, particularly given the consensus that developed during review of Bill C-32 that slight adjustments were needed so that the legislation would meet the government’s anti-piracy objectives and support jobs in the creative industries.”
Music Canada, formerly known as the Canadian Recording Industry Association, appeared before the legislative committee reviewing Bill C-32 along with artists Loreena McKennitt and Maia Davies and representatives of the Canadian Independent Music Association and the Canadian Council of Music Industry Associations.
Bill C-32, The Copyright Modernization Act, became the third copyright reform bill to die on the Order Paper when a Federal Election was called in March 2011.
Music Canada is a non-profit trade organization that represents the major record labels in Canada, namely EMI Music Canada, Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Universal Music Canada and Warner Music Canada. Music Canada also provides certain membership benefits to some of the leading independent record labels and distributors. Its members are engaged in all aspects of the recording industry, including the manufacture, production, promotion and distribution of music.
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Canadian Video Game Industry Welcomes Government Action on Copyright Reform
TORONTO, Sept. 29, 2011 – The Entertainment Software Association of Canada (ESAC) today applauded government action to protect the intellectual property of artists, creators and innovators in the Canadian video game industry. By re-introducing copyright reform legislation, the federal government is fulfilling a promise to modernize an out-dated law and support the development of new and innovative digital products, services, distribution methods and business models.
“By deterring those who profit and benefit from stealing creator’s work, this legislation will help provide a framework for the digital marketplace and allow creators and companies to distribute their works in the manner that best suits them,” said Jason Kee, Director, Policy and Legal Affairs at ESAC. “We strongly support the principles underlying this bill and look forward to working with Members of Parliament to adopt any technical changes needed to ensure the bill fully reflects those principles and avoid unintended consequences,” he added.
ESAC is the voice of the dynamic and growing video and computer game industry in Canada that employs approximately 16,000 people at nearly 350 companies across the country. By contributing $1.7 billion in economic activity and cultivating workers with a combination of creative, technological and management skills, the video game industry is supporting Canada’s position in the changing global economy. Association members include the nation’s leading entertainment software developers and publishers including Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, Activision Blizzard, Microsoft Canada, Nintendo of Canada, Sony Computer Entertainment Canada, Disney Interactive Studios, THQ, Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment, Ludia, Sillicon Knights and Take Two Interactive, as well as distributors Solutions2Go and Team One Marketing.
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Balanced Copyright for Canada welcomes introduction of Copyright Bill
TORONTO, Sept. 29, 2011 – Balanced Copyright for Canada (BCFC), a broad-based coalition of creators, artists, rights holders and people who work in the creative industries, welcomes the reintroduction of copyright reform legislation. BCFC encourages all Parliamentarians to work together for its quick passage.
“A great deal of work was done before the election to identify opportunities for refinement to the last bill,” says Stephen Stohn, executive producer of the TV series Degrassi: The Next Generation and President of Epitome Pictures Inc. “We expect that the government will build on those positive results and the consensus that emerged, in order to modernize Canada’s copyright regime and to support jobs in the creative sector.”
Bill C-32, The Copyright Modernization Act, was being reviewed by a legislative committee when an election was called in March 2011, causing the bill to die on the Order Paper. This was the third copyright reform bill to die on the Order Paper since 2005.
“Artists have been waiting a long time for copyright reform in Canada and I’m happy that we may finally see results,” says Maia Davies, Steering Committee member and singer and lead guitarist of Ladies of the Canyon. “We need a framework of strong anti-piracy policies that support the efforts of music entrepreneurs to provide legal and innovative ways for fans to access our music, while ensuring fair compensation for the work that we do.”
About Balanced Copyright for Canada
Balanced Copyright for Canada is a coalition of content creators, artists, and rights holders, and people who work in music, movies, video games, books, and software. They believe that Canada needs to move into the digital age on the legislation that governs copyright in this country. For further information, please visit www.BalancedCopyrightforCanada.ca.
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CACN Congratulates Government for Getting Tough on IP Crime
TORONTO, Sept. 29, 2011 – The Canadian Anti-Counterfeiting Network (CACN) today congratulated the federal government for taking strong action to protect copyright holders by re-introducing legislation to reform Canada’s out-dated copyright laws. CACN strongly supports the principles behind the reform legislation and encourages the government to carefully consider all aspects of the bill to ensure that the intent behind this reform is fully acknowledged.
“We’re pleased that the government is committed to getting tough on IP crimes,” said Caroline Czajko, Chair of CACN. “Piracy is a massive problem in Canada which has a tangible economic impact on government revenue, legitimate retailers, rights holders and consumers. It’s extremely difficult for legitimate retailers to compete with those who abandon all ethics as they steal and rip,” she added.
The Canadian Anti-Counterfeiting Network (CACN) is a coalition of individuals, companies, firms and associations that have united in the fight against product counterfeiting and copyright piracy in Canada and internationally. The originating members of CACN include broad-based organizations, such as the Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), the Electro-Federation Canada, and the Canadian Entertainment Software Association; companies from a range of industries; and law firms representing a host of intellectual property (IP) rights holders – Canadian and foreign – with significant businesses in Canada.
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Canadian Intellectual Property Council supports copyright initiative: looks forward to amendments before bill is passed
OTTAWA, Sept. 29, 2011 – The Canadian Intellectual Property Council (CIPC) members are pleased that the government has kept its promise to swiftly introduce copyright legislation back in the House of Commons.
“The members of the CIPC look forward to working with the government to get a system in place in Canada that better protects intellectual property rights” said CIPC Co-Chair Kevin Spreekmeester of Canada Goose. “It boils down to protecting good Canadian jobs and growing the Canadian economy so that we can compete internationally.”
Bill C-11 is intended to bring Canada in line with other leading nations that have adopted the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Copyright Treaty and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty. The CIPC strongly supports this goal, and the government’s clear recognition that a modern and effective copyright regime is a critical pillar in Canada’s digital economy.
While the CIPC is very encouraged that the government intends on passing a good copyright bill during this Parliamentary session, we observe that certain provisions of the former C-32 that, as drafted, presented problems and unintended consequences remain in the new bill, and will be seeking technical changes to avoid these issues and give full effect to the principles articulated by the bill.
“Given the extensive input received in relation to the last version of this bill, the CIPC is very confident that the changes needed to ensure this bill meets the government’s goals will be made, and that Canada will soon be better equipped to combat online piracy and promote legitimate business models”, stated Chris Gray, Director of the CIPC.
Improvements are needed in the areas of: enabling infringement; encryption research; computer and network security; interoperability; reverse-engineering of software; user-generated content; online service provider liability (“safe harbours”); private copying and back-ups; and statutory damages.
About the CIPC
The Canadian Intellectual Property Council is an organization under the banner of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce that presses for stronger protection of intellectual property rights in Canada.
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Motion Picture Association-Canada Applauds Government Commitment to Enact Effective Copyright Laws to Protect Creative Industries
TORONTO, Sept. 29, 2011 – The Motion Picture Association-Canada today welcomed the Government’s commitment to take meaningful action to protect creators, copyright owners and all those jobs and businesses that suffer from the massive theft of their creative works online.
“A healthy film and television industry means more jobs, a stronger economy, and a greater array of entertainment choices for consumers,” said Wendy Noss, Executive Director of the Motion Picture Association-Canada. “We support the Government’s commitment to give copyright owners the tools they need to combat online content theft, and promote creativity, innovation and legitimate business models with the introduction of Bill C-11, the Copyright Modernization Act. We are encouraged by their pledge to make the necessary fixes to the legislation to ensure it achieves its worthy objectives.”
Quick Facts
• The total volume of film and television production in Canada was more than $4.9 billion in 2009-10. Source: CMPA/APFTQ/PCH Profile 2010
• The production studios associated with the Motion Picture Association-Canada are key contributors to the foreign location production industry in Canada, in total valued at more than $1.5 billion annually. Source: CMPA/APFTQ/PCH Profile 2010
• Film and television production generated more than 117,000 full-time equivalent jobs in Canada in 2009-10, including 35,900 FTEs in foreign location and service production. Source: CMPA/APFTQ/PCH Profile 2010
• US-based producers accounted for 77% of all Foreign Location Production and Services (FLS) projects in Canada 2009-10. Source: CMPA/APFTQ/PCH Profile 2010
• An estimated $225,000 (U.S.) per day is added to the local economy where film production occurs. Source: Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA)
• Foreign location production provides direct benefits in the form of jobs for local performers, crews, and other dependent businesses, economic activity through spending to production-related vendors and general suppliers, and direct and indirect tax revenues. The economic benefits go well beyond production alone: numerous related industries benefit through film and television distribution, theatrical exhibition, retail sales, manufacturing, broadcasting, film festivals and others.
The Motion Picture Association-Canada serves as the voice and advocate of the major international producers and distributors of movies, home entertainment and television programming in Canada and is an affiliate of the Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. (MPAA). The motion picture studios served by MPA-Canada are: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures; Paramount Pictures Corporation; Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.; Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation; Universal City Studios LLC; and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. On behalf of these studios, the Motion Picture Association-Canada supports initiatives which further the health of the film and television industry and foster an environment of respect for creativity in Canada.
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Copyright bill still includes “anti-circumvention”, threatens students’ access to copyrighted works
OTTAWA, Sept. 29, 2011 – Legislation re-introduced today to amend the Copyright Act ignores, once again, the majority of Canadians who oppose anti-circumvention provisions and will undermine students’ access to, and use, of copyrighted works.
“The government has shown disregard for the public’s concerns raised during Bill C-32 public consultations by re-introducing an identical bill,” said Roxanne Dubois, National Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students. “Anti-circumvention provisions will seriously undermine students’, teachers’ and the general public’s use of copyrighted works.”
Bill C-11 will again propose a reasonable expansion of the definition of “fair dealing”, the right to the good faith and limited use of copyrighted works. However, the anti-circumvention provisions found in the bill fundamentally undermine fair dealing rights. The provisions would make it illegal to circumvent a digital lock even if fair dealing allows the copyrighted work’s use. Similar provisions contained within the United States Digital Millennium Copyright Act have largely been regarded as failures, restricting users’ rights while providing little protection against infringement.
“Students and other members of the education sector use and create copyrighted materials on a daily basis,” added Dubois. “Students have concerns that overly restrictive regulations will lead to higher access fees paid by post-secondary institutions and, ultimately, by students.”
The Canadian Federation of Students is Canada’s largest student organisation, uniting more that one-half million students in all ten provinces. The Canadian Federation of Students and its predecessor organisations have represented students in Canada since 1927.
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Retail Council of Canada welcomes the re-introduction of the Copyright Modernization Act
TORONTO, Sept. 29, 2011 – Retail Council of Canada (RCC) welcomes the re-introduction of proposed amendments to Canada’s Copyright Act in Bill C-11 and regards the bill as a positive step towards modernizing Canada’s copyright laws. The draft legislation is an attempt to balance the interests of consumers who purchase copyrighted material and the creators of that material. Since the first version of this bill was introduced in June 2010, RCC has supported the Government’s intent to update Canada’s copyright laws, but has stressed that more work needs to be done.
“Canadian retailers are encouraged that the market-distorting and inefficient blank media levy will not be extended in the form of an ‘iPod tax’ or other similar measure under the proposed changes. Indeed, retailers believe the levy should be repealed altogether,” said Anne Kothawala, Sr. Vice-President, Public Affairs, RCC. Retailers hope that the Government will move quickly, while the bill goes through Parliament, to enact a regulation to prevent the imposition of a “memory tax” on electronic memory cards that are extensively used in cameras, smart phones, GPS and other devices that have nothing to do with the copying of music.
RCC is also pleased to see that the Government has taken steps towards providing an explicit exception recognizing that private copying for archival or backup purposes, and for format shifting purposes by individuals of legitimately acquired copies of works or sound recordings and movies is legal. RCC would encourage the Government to acknowledge the development of innovations through the use of technology that would allow for individual sales of downloaded material that do not attract copyright collective tariffs.
Retailers support the limited and legitimate use of technological protection measures as long as it does not prevent consumers from exercising their users’ rights to engage in fair dealing and otherwise legitimate purposes and for access to public domain material.
“Retailers call on the creators of content to continue to develop innovative ways to provide greater flexibility to those who legally purchase copyrighted material. Creating locks for legally purchased material and punishing consumers with excessive penalties in the form of disproportionate damage awards is counterproductive, since it will provide an incentive for consumers to resort to circumvention and to turn to black markets where these locks may not exist,” said Ms. Kothawala.
RCC members are concerned that some parts of the legislation unfairly restrict consumer freedom and choice and need to be revised before being passed by Parliament. “Parallel imports – which by definition involve legitimate goods – should clearly be permitted under the new Copyright Act so that Canadian consumers can benefit from world prices and Canadian retailers can remain competitive. Copyright should not become a tool of anti-competitive misuse or international trade control” said Ms. Kothawala.
RCC also wishes to see an amendment to the bill that would clarify, in a manner similar to the US legislation, that retailers do not need to pay for the use of music to demonstrate electronic equipment or for marketing purposes to sell sound and audio-visual recordings. “Retailers are partners with the music industry in selling content. Consumers need equipment to enjoy these recordings. Demonstrating these products is not in any way the same as providing ‘background’ music and should not require any payment”, Ms. Kothawala stated.
RCC looks forward to participating in a thorough Parliamentary review process and providing recommendations to improve the legislation.
About Retail Council of Canada
Retail Council of Canada (RCC) has been the Voice of Retail in Canada since 1963. We speak for an industry that touches the daily lives of Canadians in every corner of the country – by providing jobs, career opportunities, and by investing in the communities we serve. RCC is a not-for-profit, industry-funded association representing more than 40,000 store fronts of all retail formats across Canada, including department, specialty, discount, and independent stores, and online merchants. RCC is a strong advocate for retailing in Canada and works with all levels of government and other stakeholders to support employment growth and career opportunities in retail, to promote and sustain retail investments in communities from coast-to-coast, and to enhance consumer choice and industry competitiveness. RCC also provides its members with a full range of services and programs including education and training, benchmarking and best practices, networking, advocacy, and industry information.
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Canadian photographers welcome the introduction of copyright reform
OTTAWA, Sept. 29, 2011 – The Canadian Photographers Coalition (CPC) welcomes the reintroduction of Copyright reform legislation. The Copyright Modernization Act includes a provision to award photographers first ownership on commissioned works; a right held by all other creators.
“The Copyright Act is an important policy tool for the promotion of Canada’s culture and Canadians’ creativity,” stated André Cornellier, Coalition Co-chair. “As professional photographers, we understand first-hand the importance of ensuring a modern Copyright Act promotes both of these objectives.”
“In 2008 and 2010, we welcomed copyright reform and its recognition of photographers as equals among their creative colleagues. Heritage Minister James Moore and Industry Minister Christian Paradis have again committed to ending this inequity,” said Brian Boyle, Coalition Co-chair.
“We are extremely pleased with the government’s decision to recognize photographers as authors of commissioned works. Building on that principle, we will seek a small technical amendment to the bill at committee,” added Mr. Cornellier.
The Canadian Photographers Coalition was formed to support the extension of copyright fairness to Canada’s working professional photographers. The Coalition represents the interests of two professional associations: the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC) and the Canadian Association of Professional Image Creator (CAPIC).
Together the groups represent professional photographers working in all aspects of the craft and in all regions of the country. There are over 14,000 professional photographers working and living in Canadian communities from coast to coast. Over 95 per cent of professional photographers are small business people, owning, operating and working in their own businesses and dependent on sales of their work to support their families. Like all small business people, photographers are part of the engine that drives the Canadian economy.
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Private Broadcasters Support Government’s Copyright Modernization Act
OTTAWA, Sept. 29, 2011 – Canadian private broadcasters congratulate the Ministers of Industry and Canadian Heritage on the copyright bill released today. Private radio broadcasters applaud the efforts of the Government in tabling balanced copyright legislation that aims to make Canada’s copyright laws work for all stakeholders, including artists and creators as well as innovative businesses such as the radio industry.
Copyright is an extremely important issue for the radio industry – as the largest single payer of copyright tariffs in Canada. This past year radio contributed $115M in direct funding and copyright payments to the music industry. This direct funding is five times greater than the level it was just nine years ago. Meanwhile broadcasters are continuing to provide significant ongoing support to artists in addition to our copyright payments.
In Bill C-11, the Government has taken steps to eliminate the redundant payments radio broadcasters make for purely technical digital file reproductions necessary to build our on-air programming schedules. This will ensure that Canadian home grown radio artisans, and the local musicians that they support, benefit instead of the multi-billion dollar foreign companies who are currently the beneficiaries of over 80% of the reproduction tariff paid by Canadian radio broadcasters.
“Broadcasters are optimistic that this time copyright reform will get implemented,” said Sylvie Courtemanche, Chair of the CAB. “We can pick up where we left off when the last bill died on the order paper. The broad policy debates are over: the Government has reaffirmed its clear intent to provide broadcasters with a full exemption from reproduction right liability. We can now focus on the minor technical amendments that will help ensure that Bill C-11 works as intended. To that end, broadcasters look forward to working with the Special Legislative Committee.”
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MPTAC Applauds Government for Taking Action on Copyright
TORONTO, Sept. 29, 2011 – The Motion Picture Theatre Associations of Canada (MPTAC) today welcomed the Federal Government’s objectives supporting the introduction of Bill C-11, the Copyright Modernization Act, which aims to fight copyright piracy, protect rights owners, and promote creativity, innovation and legitimate business models.
More than one million Canadians are estimated to owe their jobs -directly or indirectly – to creative industries. MPTAC is made up of theatre owners, both independent and chains which represent over 3,000 screens across the country and employ over 13,000 individuals.
“The protection of copyright is of vital interest to our theatres in Canada and the significant number of people employed at these theatres,” said Raffaele Papalia, Chairman of the Board of MPTAC and a Director of the Association Des Proprietaires De Cinemas Du Quebec. “We look forward to working with the Government to ensure the necessary technical fixes are made for the legislation to take meaningful action against digital theft and protect our businesses and employees across the country.”
MPTAC supports an effective, modern copyright framework consistent with international best practices. Our digital laws must establish clear rules to make on-line piracy illegal, discourage the illicit distribution of creative content online, and support an innovative and legitimate digital marketplace.
The Motion Picture Theatre Associations of Canada (MPTAC) is a national non-profit association representing theatre owners across the country. The Association’s goal is to forward and promote the welfare of theatre exhibition in Canada.
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Time for Parliament to Act on Copyright
OTTAWA, Sept. 29, 2011 – The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is pleased that the government has acted quickly to re-introduce copyright legislation in the House of Commons. Many companies, big and small, rely on the protection of intellectual property (IP) rights to maintain their businesses in Canada.
Updated copyright legislation will bring Canada more in line with other leading nations and establish guidelines for those who download and file share in the Internet. Properly applied, intellectual property rights drive job creation, economic growth and innovation.
“IP is the economic currency of the future. By defining and better protecting IP rights, we will continue to develop a marketplace that rewards investments in innovation and creation. This bill will help foster new business models that will lead to stronger economic growth in Canada” stated Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
“While the Canadian Chamber supports the principles behind this copyright legislation, improvements still need to be made to the bill. As currently drafted, the bill still contains some possible unintended consequences that could prove problematic for business. We look forward to a rigorous review of the bill at committee stage that will make sure that it achieves the purposes for which it is designed,” Beatty added.
Bill C-11 will implement the provisions of the World Intellectual Property Protection Organization (WIPO) Copyright Treaty and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce endorses the ratification of these treaties, which were signed by Canada more than a decade ago, and supports a made-in-Canada approach.
The passage of Bill C-11 will improve digital IP safeguards. Other measures, including enhanced border protection against counterfeit goods and an updated patent regime, are also needed and the Canadian Chamber will continue to press for these safeguards for businesses in Canada.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the vital connection between business and the federal government. It helps shape public policy and decision-making to the benefit of businesses, communities and families across Canada with a network of over 420 chambers of commerce and boards of trade, representing 192,000 businesses of all sizes in all sectors of the economy and in all regions. News and information are available at www.chamber.ca or follow us on Twitter @CdnChamberofCom.
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CIMA welcomes new Copyright Act
Seeks reforms to improve Bill
TORONTO, Sept. 29, 2011 – The Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) welcomes the introduction of the federal government’s new Copyright Modernization Act today, and looks forward to its passage for the benefit of the nation’s independent music sector.
CIMA members have long awaited a new Copyright Act, one that will serve to protect the integrity and ownership of the music they create, while at the same time ensuring their ability to be fairly remunerated for their craft.
While the legislation formerly known as Bill C-32, An act to amend the Copyright Act, contains some flaws and shortcomings, CIMA is hopeful and optimistic that the legislative process for the new act will provide an opportunity for the government to address CIMA’s concerns.
“The government should be congratulated for reintroducing this bill so quickly,” says Stuart Johnston, President of CIMA. “Our members are encouraged by the government’s commitment, and we look forward to working with the government to help smooth out the wrinkles in the legislation. The bottom line is Canada needs this new copyright act to protect the intellectual property of our artists and the music industry businesses that represent them.”
In the last session of Parliament, CIMA offered the government several proposed amendments, most of which were technical in nature, in order to help the government clarify the stated intent of a new Copyright Act.
CIMA is the collective voice of the English language, Canadian-owned independent sector of the Canadian sound recording industry, with a mandate to secure and develop a strong and economically stable domestic music industry. CIMA has a membership of approximately 180 companies from coast to coast in Canada, representing nearly every facet of the music business.
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Canadian Library Association Says Copyright Legislation “Almost There”
User Rights Still Tempered by Digital Locks
OTTAWA, Sept. 29, 2011 – The Canadian Library Association (CLA) is pleased to see the re-introduction of copyright legislation in the House of Commons. The fact that this legislation has been introduced so early in the session shows there is a real commitment from the Government to this issue. Following the much anticipated re-introduction of the Copyright Modernization Act, CLA says a few important modifications are still needed in order to address the concerns of the library community.
CLA acknowledges the complexity of copyright in the 21st century, and the Government’s attempt to balance the concerns of creators and content providers with those in the public interest. What the bill needs now is to reflect an acceptable balance from the users’ perspective without interference to statutory rights.
Librarians across the country understand that copyright laws must reflect the public interest.
“It is very positive to see the re-introduction of copyright legislation, as this remains a key concern for the library community,” says CLA President Karen Adams. “We are happy to see that improvements introduced in the last bill have been maintained; however, modifications are required if the legislation is to ultimately succeed in its objectives, those being both balanced and technologically neutral.”
CLA is pleased that Canadians with perceptual disabilities will have use of material in accessible formats imported from other jurisdictions. The presence of education, parody and satire in the fair dealing section of the Act is also applauded. CLA’s main concern is the unnecessarily proscriptive protections for digital locks, which dramatically limit the additions and reduce the impact of the exceptions to fair dealing. “Legislation which does not include the right to bypass digital locks for non-infringing purposes is fundamentally flawed,” says CLA Copyright Committee Chair Victoria Owen. “We are seeking an improvement in the language regarding technological measures and the removal of constraints to non-infringing activity.”
The library community plays a vital role in providing Canadians access to all forms of material. This access to information is integral to ensuring that Canadians are regular contributors to the economic, social and cultural well-being of their communities.
“We must continue to work together with government, and CLA is committed to doing so, to develop balanced copyright legislation that is in the public interest,” concludes Adams.
The Canadian Library Association/Association canadienne des bibliothèques (CLA) is Canada’s largest national and broad-based library association, representing the interests of public, academic, school and special libraries, professional librarians and library workers, and all those concerned about enhancing the quality of life of Canadians through information and literacy.