Canadian DMCA is Coming

It is now more than a year since the threat of new copyright legislation hit the headlines. The word out now is that the Conservatives are about to introduce new ‘Shock and Awe’ copyright legislation. The details of this legislation are expected to be introduced on Tuesday December 11.
The specifics of the new legislation are not known. Indications are that it will include severe restrictions on Freedom of Expression. The new law is expected to make it illegal to circumvent DRM (Digital locks) even where the user has a legal right to content. This will make it even more restrictive than the draconian American DMCA legislation. It is speculated that the new legislation will have no new rights for users whatsoever. This will have a profound and devastating effect on artists who use appropriation, particularily Media artists.

Howard Knopf: Canada’s copyright law…

Howard Knopf: Canada’s copyright law is ALREADY stronger and better than U.S.’s

OTTAWA—The rumours are that Canada’s “New Government, ” as it used to call itself, is about to give a costly Christmas gift to the U.S., for which Canadians may never stop paying. It’s shaping up to be a made-to-order American style copyright bill that will:

Obedience Training for Dogs

Canadian Government Swayed by Rhetoric and False Statistics

Obedience training doesn’t solve all behavior problems, but it is the foundation for solving just about any problem. Training opens up a line of communication between you and your dog. Effective communication is necessary to instruct your dog about what you want her to do. Dogs are social animals and without proper training, they will behave like animals. They will destroy your belongings, dig holes in your yard, and even bite you. Obedience training is an easy way to establish social hierarchy. You CAN teach your dog her subordinate role by teaching her to show submission to you. Most dogs love performing these tricks (obedience commands) for you which also pleasantly acknowledge that you are in charge.” (from ‘Obedience Training for Dogs’)

How do you teach Canadians obedience? How do you make Canadian politicians sit up and beg? Remarkably easily it seems. A short video documenting the remarkably successful, efficient and erroneous manipulation of Canadian Laws by the U.S.

Bill-C-59 a lesson in obedience training for Canadians.

Video produced by Michael Geist and Daniel Albahary
http://www.michaelgeist.ca/video/NB_Final_Server.mov

Howard Knopf also comments
http://excesscopyright.blogspot.com

As does Russell McOrmond
http://www.digital-copyright.ca/node/3985

Copyright and the Threat to the Public Domain

Gordon Duggan has written an essay for the Arts News Canada, May issue; a monthly
series entitled “Canadian Arts Matter: Essays in support of cultural leadership”.
The essay is ‘Copyright and the threat to the public domain’. There is a discussion forum
attached.
http://www.artsnews.ca

Michael Geist Talks to Canadian Heritage Copyright Policy Branch on Fair Use

Is drafting of copyright reform really still in process?

Last week Michael Geist spoke to Canadian Heritage on Copyright Policy reform in Canada. A slide show of his talk ‘The Case for Fair Use in Canada’ can be seen on www.michaelgeist.ca (www.michaelgeist.ca).
Geist specifically references the concerns of the Appropriation Art Coalition in slide 17

Over the last few weeks there has been ongoing speculation as to whether Canadian Heritage will imminently announce copyright reforms. The timing of Canadian Heritage’s invitation to Geist is therefore of great interest for the Appropriation Art Coalition.

In another posting Geist also points to an article in McLeans that indicates Canadian Heritage Minister Oda could face opposition if the Conservatives introduce DMCA-like legislation in Canada. The Appropriation Art Coalition has expressed strong opposition to such legislation.

Minister Oda has, to this date, refused a meeting with representatives from the Appropriation Art Coalition.