My friend Sam sent an email to her MP (Dick Harris, Cariboo-Prince George), detailing her concerns regarding the proposed amendments to the Canadian Copyright Act. She has give me permission to post the form-letter response she received:

Dear Samantha,

 

As an individual who enjoys the arts, as well as, an enthusiast of this new digital age, I understand your concerns. However, I hope that with this reply, I can alleviate those concerns regarding the new Copyright legislation, Bill C-61 that is now before Parliament.

 

The recently introduced Government Bill to amend the Copyright Act is designed to bring our copyright laws into line with advances in technology and current international standards. This is an important and overdue piece of legislation; it has been ten years since this legislation received its last major reform. In that time, an Internet revolution has occurred, as have major advancements in technology. Our balanced and Canadian made approach to copyright reform will help to ensure fair access by Canadians to copyright material, as well as, to protect the rights of Canadians who create material that is copyrighted.

 

Our Government is the first to expressly allow Canadians to record their TV and radio shows to enjoy at different times, without infringing copyrights. Our reform will also permit Canadian citizens to copy music onto devices such as MP3 players, and to copy books, newspapers, videos and photos into different formats. Last but certainly not least, our Bill limits at $500 the amount of statutory damages that individuals may be liable to pay if they infringe copyright for private use, provided that material is not protected by digital lock. (Currently, statutory damages could be as high as $20,000 for a single infringement).

 

Furthermore, our Government has introduced important measures to support industries whose success depends on copyrights, such as software companies, musicians, photographers, and filmmakers. We are providing stronger protection for digital locks online so that companies that have chosen to use them in their business models will have the support of the law.

 

With this Bill, we have also introduced stronger provisions to address Internet piracy. I believe this copyright reform promotes innovation and competition in our digital, knowledge-based economy. It is the Governments role to create the conditions for Canadian business, as well as, our entire economy, to flourish and prosper. Creating this environment for Canada is our goal, and by setting up these policies within this legislation, we can accomplish this.

 

With this Bill, you will be able to legally tape your favourite TV shows and movies, without fear of infringing copyrights. This Bill will also allow you and your family to take CD’s and songs purchased online and transfer them to your MP3 player, legally – - this Bill clarifies that this type of activity is legal in Canada.

 

This is a unique, Canadian made approach that seeks to balance rights-holders and users needs. I trust that this has helped to ease some of your apprehension over this important legislation; if you want more information in this regard, please visit the Copyright Reform Process website at www.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/crp-prda.nsf/en/home.

 

Sincerely,

Richard M. (Dick) Harris, MP Cariboo – Prince George