Make sure you are heard as Canada decides to revamp its Copyright Act. The CBC reports today:
Heritage Minister Hélène Scherrer is promising to fight to make online music swapping in Canada a crime. In an interview with the Globe and Mail, Scherrer said she intends to draft legislation in the coming days to make the use of file-sharing sites like Kazaa against the law. "We are going to make sure that downloading stays illegal. We will make it a priority so it is done as quickly as possible," Scherrer told the paper.A "crime"? I hardly think so as this is not going to be a Criminal Code. Also, an interesting use of the word "stay" as the courts are saying otherwise.
But however you feel about downloading, pro or con, they are going to try to change the rules. Let the Minister Scherrer's office know how you feel. Here is a web email template supposedly to her Heritage Canada office. Here is her parliamentary email: Scherrer.H@parl.gc.ca. I would suggest fighting to retain fair use and the right to review and criticize is important to us all.
Comments
Jim Elve - April 14, 2004 4:29 pm
Hmmm...
Not only does that part about "stays illegal" seem wrong, I have to question how this issue is related to the Heritage ministry. It would seem to me to fall more into the jurisdiction of the Justice department - especially, if "crime" is being talked about.
Maybe they'll do something like they've done with the marijuana issue for the past 30 years: conduct study after study with no action. It would be interesting to see some definitive figures re the effect file sharing is having on music sales and performer incomes. I don't think we can trust the recording industry to give us the straight goods. They're mostly the same slimeballs who have been ripping off their own performers for decades.
Rob MacD - April 14, 2004 6:07 pm
First of all, Alan, this post has been linked to at MetaFilter. Way to go.
I am fearful of what will come of this. While I don't think that free sharing of files should be allowed carte blanche, I'm guessing that any change in the laws that come out of this will be much more restrictive than fair. I'm guessing we're about to take a step backwards.
Alan - April 14, 2004 6:11 pm
Yes, Steve of Steve and the Steves popped the link on Metafilter and my refer logs are going nutty. I think if people actually lobby there will be an opportunity to temper the most extreme form of restriction - crime indeed. That being said, I am all for protection of the musician. It is interesting to note, however, that music sales are now up. So is there really a harm here or is there just people getting access to music they later buy. I myself have really never downloaded though I have upped a couple to this site from CDs I bought to review the record or songs in question. This will likely remain a section 29.1 exception to copyright infringement.
Donna - April 14, 2004 8:41 pm
It's an extreme and unfounded measure -- just like suing individual downloaders. But I doubt much will develop in the forseeable future, at least under minister Scherrer's watch. Remember, a federal election is on the horizon. Even if she's re-elected, I doubt she'll stay heritage minister long enough to implement any changes to the Copyright Act. But if there's the (political, lobby-driven) will, could there be a way...?
pogge - April 14, 2004 11:11 pm
I'll certainly send her another email. But I sent one to her ten days ago after her first quoted comments on this issue and I've yet to receive an acknowledgement of any kind. Doesn't inspire confidence.
Julianne - September 25, 2004 9:39 pm
You are insane, what is your point exactly! Be clear!
Alan - September 25, 2004 10:16 pm
Who? What? When? You are inexact. You are now under observation until we clear all this up.