Government updates discussion of Canadian copyright issues

[SDavies@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]

      Yesterday two Canadian federal departments (Industry, and Canadian
Heritage) tabled a joint report identifying unaddressed copyright or IP
issues.  The report is called "Supporting Culture and Innovation: Report on
the Provisions and Operation of the Copyright Act" (Bill C-32).  An
announcement says "It groups these issues thematically and provides a
prioritization to these groupings consistent with the Government of
Canada's larger public policy agenda."
      It can be found (with previous reports) at
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/SSG/rp00880e.html

      I haven't read it thru, but would be interested in what others have
to say about it.

      Quoting from the exectuive summary:

<<<
      The Internet and digital technologies are continuously challenging
the traditional notions of copyright as well as establishing new frontiers
for the potential operation of the Copyright Act. These technologies enable
the making of perfect copies that can be instantly transmitted around the
world, making it difficult to control their use.

      All stakeholders have called for copyright policy to be clarified for
the use of digital technologies. Rights holders are looking for confidence
in the protection of their material in an on-line environment. At the same
time, users call for clear and fair rules of access and use of Internet
content. In meeting cultural and economic policy objectives, policy makers
will therefore need to balance competing domestic interests, and to assess
the impact of new scientific and technological breakthroughs.

      Canada must also learn from other nations' best practices .....
>>>

                              Stephen Davies
                       Mount Royal College, Calgary
                         mailto:SDavies@xxxxxxxxxx

(en francais: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/SSGF/rp00880f.html)