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Tuesday July 6, 2010
Angus Calls Out Moore on WIPO: Says Fails to Understand Treaty, Makes Mockery of Copyright Balance
NDP MP Charlie Angus has issued a lengthy letter to Canadian Heritage Minister James Moore and Industry Minister Tony Clement that challenges them on the digital lock provisions in Bill C-32. In a release on the letter, Angus states "the digital lock provisions will subject Canadians to arbitrary limitations on their legal rights of access. The government is trying to create the impression that this unbalanced approach to digital locks is necessary in order to bring Canada into compliance with WIPO and the Berne Convention. Nothing could be further from the truth." He adds: "The government is establishing a two-tiered set of rights. Bill C-32 offers rights that consumers will be restricted from exercising. These provisions make a mockery of the claim that the bill is balanced and pro-consumer. Either the government has a faulty understanding of international treaty obligations or is looking to use these existing treaties as a cover to pursue a specific political agenda. The New Democratic Party will challenge any provisions that would lead to unbalanced and arbitrary copyright legislation." The letter delves into much greater detail on the digital lock issue, discussing how there is flexibility at international law with Angus emphatically stating "I believe the government will be unable to produce evidence that these onerous digital lock provisions are the result of existing treaty obligations." As result, Angus makes a formal request that the government seek an opinion from WIPO on the issue of exceptions to digital locks.

In a shot at Moore's "radical extremists" comment, Angus notes:

I have taken the steps to reference these works so that you can be reassured that Canadians who raise questions about the unbalanced implementation of digital lock provisions are not pushing "extreme" or "radical" views.  In fact, they are much within the mainstream regarding international implementation of these treateis.  Indeed, if there is a case for any "extreme" behavior in the present debate it would be the decision of the government to use C-32 to pursue an agenda that goes well beyond the norms established by WIPO signatories.

As it stands now, Bill C-32 is a flawed piece of legislation that will face increasing opposition because of its one-sided approach to digital locks.  It is clear that either the government has applied a faulty understanding of international treaty obligations or is looking to use these existing treaties as cover to pursue a specific political agenda.  Either way, the New Democratic Party will challenge provisions that would create a two-tiered set of rights with arbitrary limitations on citizen's use of legally-accessed works.

Copyright 2010, copycon, copyright

NDP MP Charlie Angus has issued a lengthy letter to Canadian Heritage Minister James Moore and Industry Minister Tony Clement that challenges them on the digital lock provisions in Bill C-32. In a release on the letter, Angus states "the digital lock provisions will subject Canadians to arbitrary limitations on their legal rights of access. The government is trying to create the impression that this unbalanced approach to digital locks is necessary in order to bring Canada into compliance with WIPO and the Berne Convention. Nothing could be further from the truth." He adds: "The government is establishing a two-tiered set of rights. Bill C-32 offers rights that consumers will be restricted from exercising. These provisions make a mockery of the claim that the bill is balanced and pro-consumer. Either the government has a faulty understanding of international treaty obligations or is looking to use these existing treaties as a cover to pursue a specific political agenda. The New Democratic Party will challenge any provisions that would lead to unbalanced and arbitrary copyright legislation." The letter delves into much greater detail on the digital lock issue, discussing how there is flexibility at international law with Angus emphatically stating "I believe the government will be unable to produce evidence that these onerous digital lock provisions are the result of existing treaty obligations." As result, Angus makes a formal request that the government seek an opinion from WIPO on the issue of exceptions to digital locks.

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Wednesday June 23, 2010
NDP MP Charlie Angus Responds to Moore's Attacks
The House of Commons is shut down due to today's earthquake, but I have received a copy of a release from the office of NDP MP Charlie Angus which responds to Canadian Heritage Minister James Moore's attack on fair copyright.  The NDP planned to issue the release today, but cannot due to the office closure.  I was given permission to post the release in its entirety. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJUNE 23, 2010 NEW DEMOCRATS CALL MOORE OFFSIDE FOR ATTACKING FAIR COPYRIGHT ADVOCATESMinister’s description of ‘radical extremists’ shows he’s in need of a time-out  
TIMMINS – Speaking at a G20 Chamber of Commerce event, Heritage Minister James Moore inexplicably lashed out at those who have raised concerns with his new copyright bill, C-32. Moore characterised fair copyright advocates as “babyish” and enemies of any copyright reform whatsoever. He called them “radical extremists” who must be “confronted every step of the way until they are defeated.” New Democrat Digital Affairs Critic Charlie Angus (Timmins-James Bay) said Moore’s comments are reminiscent of a war-time call-to-arms and are way out of line.

“Attacking teachers, students, artists and consumers who have legitimate questions about this legislation is ridiculous,” said Angus. “Instead of understanding and appreciating the nuances of balanced copyright, the Minister is appearing hyper-defensive and bombastic. I think he needs a time out.”

In his speech to the conference, Moore claimed the government’s attack on consumer rights are necessitated by Canada’s international obligations under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) treaties.  Angus says Moore simply has his facts wrong.

“James Moore shouldn’t hide behind international treaties to excuse the significant stumbling blocks he has put into the bill. All the experts, including those civil servants who drafted the bill, agree that it could be WIPO-compliant without his push for American-style protection for digital locks,” said Angus. “The Tories are pushing this failed agenda that will criminalize perfectly reasonable behaviour and deny educators legal access to works which they should logically have.”

Angus says Moore needs to tone down the rhetoric and get down to the serious business of working with all stakeholders on amendments that will improve the legislation.

“A Minister shouldn’t resort to name calling or start a war with fair-copyright advocates just because he doesn’t like the feedback he’s getting on Twitter,” said Angus.  “If Moore spent more time listening to the educators, experts, academics and artists who have serious issues with this bill, maybe his public statements wouldn’t be so out of line with everyday Canadians who simply want balanced legislation.”

-30-

For more information please contact:

George Soule, Caucus Press Secretary: 613-850-3448 or souleg@parl.gc.ca

The House of Commons is shut down due to today's earthquake, but I have received a copy of a release from the office of NDP MP Charlie Angus which responds to Canadian Heritage Minister James Moore's attack on fair copyright.  The NDP planned to issue the release today, but cannot due to the office closure.  I was given permission to post the release in its entirety.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 23, 2010

NEW DEMOCRATS CALL MOORE OFFSIDE FOR ATTACKING FAIR COPYRIGHT ADVOCATES
Minister’s description of ‘radical extremists’ shows he’s in need of a time-out

 

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Liberals, NDP Both Focus on C-32 Digital Lock Provisions

Submitted by mgeist on June 3, 2010 - 9:25am

Reaction from both the Liberals and NDP focus on C-32 digital lock provisions.  Liberal critic Marc Garneau told CBC.ca that the bill seemed to be missing an exception that would allow people to break digital locks if it was for private, non-commercial use.  Meanwhile, the NDP's Charlie Angus argued "the only rights you will get under this bill are those that U.S.-based enter

Angus Defends iPod Levy Proposal

Submitted by mgeist on March 30, 2010 - 11:27am

NDP MP Charlie Angus defends his iPod levy proposal in a Toronto Star op-ed and in a Search Engine interview that touches on the proposal, fair dealing, and ACTA.

Wednesday March 24, 2010
Writers' Union of Canada: Flexible Fair Dealing Legalizes Theft
The Charlie Angus fair dealing motion has stirred up considerable anger from the Writers' Union of Canada.  The organization's copyright committee is urging its members to write to their Members of Parliament to protest motion, advising them to use speaking points that include equating flexible fair dealing with theft, claiming it will result in tens of millions in losses, and would constitute an attack on Canadian culture.  Speaking points provided to members include: The expansion of fair dealing would legalize the theft of material under copyright because it would allow teachers and others in the educational sector to make multiple copies of our work without compensation. If the fair dealing expansion is broadened it would eliminate more than $30 million of income from Canadian writers, visual artists and publishers.  Writers and artists in this country already suffer from low incomes and this would make it even more difficult for creators to earn a living. Governments in the past have encouraged the development of collectives like Access Copyright that collect fees for the secondary use of material under copyright and distribute it to creators and publishers.  This was done to strengthen the culture in this country.  The expansion of fair dealing would make it very difficult for Access Copyright to survive, and it would be an attack on Canadian culture.
The Charlie Angus fair dealing motion has stirred up considerable anger from the Writers' Union of Canada.  The organization's copyright committee is urging its members to write to their Members of Parliament to protest motion, advising them to use speaking points that include equating flexible fair dealing with theft, claiming it will result in tens of millions in losses, and would constitute an attack on Canadian culture.  Speaking points provided to members include:
  • The expansion of fair dealing would legalize the theft of material under copyright because it would allow teachers and others in the educational sector to make multiple copies of our work without compensation.
  • If the fair dealing expansion is broadened it would eliminate more than $30 million of income from Canadian writers, visual artists and publishers.  Writers and artists in this country already suffer from low incomes and this would make it even more difficult for creators to earn a living.
  • Governments in the past have encouraged the development of collectives like Access Copyright that collect fees for the secondary use of material under copyright and distribute it to creators and publishers.  This was done to strengthen the culture in this country.  The expansion of fair dealing would make it very difficult for Access Copyright to survive, and it would be an attack on Canadian culture.
The Charlie Angus fair dealing motion has stirred up considerable anger from the Writers' Union of Canada.  The organization's copyright committee is urging its members to write to their Members of Parliament to protest motion, advising them to use speaking points that include equating flexible fair dealing with theft, claiming it will result in tens of millions in losses, and would constitute an attack on Canadian culture.  Speaking points provided to members include:
  • The expansion of fair dealing would legalize the theft of material under copyright because it would allow teachers and others in the educational sector to make multiple copies of our work without compensation.
  • If the fair dealing expansion is broadened it would eliminate more than $30 million of income from Canadian writers, visual artists and publishers.  Writers and artists in this country already suffer from low incomes and this would make it even more difficult for creators to earn a living.
  • Governments in the past have encouraged the development of collectives like Access Copyright that collect fees for the secondary use of material under copyright and distribute it to creators and publishers.  This was done to strengthen the culture in this country.  The expansion of fair dealing would make it very difficult for Access Copyright to survive, and it would be an attack on Canadian culture.
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Knopf on the Opposition to Fair Dealing

Submitted by mgeist on March 22, 2010 - 9:48am

Howard Knopf posts on the opposition to the Angus fair dealing motion, warning "make no mistake - these folks are trying to push back and to effectively undo the decision in CCH v. LSUC."

Globe on Angus Fair Dealing Motion: A Welcome Move

Submitted by mgeist on March 19, 2010 - 7:58am

The Globe and Mail's masthead editorial today comments on the Angus fair dealing motion: "Mr. Angus also tabled a motion that would expand the Copyright Act's definition of "fair dealing," allowing the reasonable use of copyrighted materials for innovation, research and study - a welcome move."

Editorials Express Support for Levy Proposal

Submitted by mgeist on March 19, 2010 - 7:56am

Yesterday I pointed to two editorials opposed to the Angus private copying bill.  Today, the Edmonton Journal expresses support, while the Globe says debate on the issue is the best outcome.

Masthead Editorials Oppose Extension of Private Copying Levy

Submitted by mgeist on March 18, 2010 - 9:29am

The Calgary Herald and Windsor Star both have published lead editorials opposing the extension of the private copying levy to devices such as iPods.

CFS Expresses Support For Fair Dealing Motion

Submitted by mgeist on March 17, 2010 - 10:04am

The Canadian Federation of Students has issued a release expressing its support for NDP MP Charlie Angus' motion on flexible fair dealing.

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