I cannot figure out how to remain active in my government when no one talks to or listens to you, if you are not cheering them on of course.
I sent this letter to Christian Paradis, the Minister of Industry and Charlie Angus the opposition critic.
I've redacted my personal information in the spirit of government openness
Hi,
My name is XXXXX XXXXXX.
I am a web developer and work in the academic library for the University XXXXXX.
It is in working for a library that I have come to see the issues that face libraries and archives in this day and age.
I am very concerned about the TPM provisions in the proposed bill C-11 and what effect this will have on the academic institutions abilities to provide useful resources to our faculty and students.
If the TPM takes precedence over all other rights, then my belief is that there will be fewer of these resources available to provide to the student/faculty/researcher body as a whole. Unless the federal government is planning to increase funding to all universities to offset the increased costs of purchasing more copies of any resources that contain a TPM.
My (perhaps cynical) belief is that there will not be fewer companies adding TPMs to their products. As using tools to break or circumvent any TPM is now against the law, much knowledge could be lost for future generations.
While the wealthy can certainly afford to re-purchase their games/movies/etc over and over again. This provision ensures that the poorer and those with disabilities will be put at a greater disadvantage.
In reviewing the Legislative Summary for this bill I see that much more intelligent and literate persons have spoken to possible solutions to the lawful circumvention of TPMs.
My only assumption is that the total disregard for this voice is due to intense lobbying from much richer constituents then the average Canadian.
I leave you with this.
I can buy a car, disassemble it, change/modify/replaces the mechanical, electrical, electronics, exterior body and sell that car.
I can buy a DVD, download a DVD-Decoder, burn it to my computer, convert it to an alternate format and put it on my iPod to watch.
I one of these cases I will have broken the law multiple times.
I hope you will consider adding an exemption to the circumvention of TPMs for lawful use.
thank you,
I received one response. ONE! It came from the office of Christian Paradis. I say that because it was only missing the "FORM LETTER" stamp at the top.
Thank you for your email regarding the Copyright Modernization Act.
Recognizing the critical role a modern copyright regime plays in Canada’s digital economy, the Government of Canada is delivering on its commitment to introduce and seek swift passage of copyright legislation that balances the needs of creators and users.
On September 29, 2011, the government introduced Bill C-11, the Copyright Modernization Act. This legislation reproduces the provisions of Bill C-32, which appeared in the last session of Parliament. It will promote Canada’s innovation and creativity, and ensure that our copyright laws are modern, flexible and in line with current international standards. It proposes a fair, balanced and common sense approach that respects both the rights of creators and the interests of consumers in today’s market. Through this bill, the federal government seeks to promote Canada’s participation in the digital economy, a major element in ensuring the continued prosperity and competitiveness of our country.
Detailed information about the Copyright Modernization Act is available online at www.balancedcopyright.gc.ca.
Once again, thank you for sharing your views on this important matter.
Yours sincerely,
The Honourable Christian Paradis, P.C., M.P.
Apparently the minister thinks I haven't heard about the bill. Perhaps actual discussion with Canadians is too beneath him. I would say he is too busy, but I can't think of why this would be too hard to actually give me a real response.
They (meaning his assistant or whomever actually responded) didn't even bother to copy and paste the party's talking points in to a response.
It is a new dictatorship. I wonder if the US is concerned about the rapid un-democratization of their neighbours to the north?
