Skip to Content

Take Action

Get Informed

The 2009 Canadian copyright consultation provides a great opportunity to lay the foundation for reforms that serve the interests of millions of Canadians. Some groups have already said that Bill C-61, the much-criticized 2008 bill modeled on the U.S. Digital Millennium Copyright Act, did not go far enough. This site provides more information on the copyright consultation and the key issues that are at stake.

The consultation features five key questions:
  1. How do Canada’s copyright laws affect you? How should existing laws be modernized?
  2. Based on Canadian values and interests, how should copyright changes be made in order to withstand the test of time?
  3. What sorts of copyright changes do you believe would best foster innovation and creativity in Canada?
  4. What sorts of copyright changes do you believe would best foster competition and investment in Canada?
  5. What kinds of changes would best position Canada as a leader in the global, digital economy?

Professor Michael Geist has provided a short answer of his view of the most important issues and will be writing a lengthier response during the course of the consultation.

Speak Out

There are several ways to ensure that your voice is heard during the 2009 consultation:

  • Submit your comments directly to the government. The deadline for comments is September 13, 2009, so speak out today. You can email your comments directly or place a paper copy in the mail.
  • Submit a copy of your comments to your local Member of Parliament so that they are aware of your views on copyright. You can find the name of your local MP here. Comments can be emailed or, even better, printed and placed in an envelope. No stamp is required. Participate in the consultation discussion forum once it is online. The forum will serve as a place to debate a wide range of copyright issues.

 

Stay Involved

Once you have submitted your comments, make sure your family, friends and colleagues do the same.