itBusiness.ca: Copyright bill strikes discordant note with Canadian musicians, consumer groups

itBusiness.ca: Copyright bill strikes discordant note with Canadian musicians, consumer groups
Nestor E. Arellano

Canadian artists have added their voices to the protests against Bill C-61, the controversial proposed amendment to the Copyright Act that some say mirrors a harsh “locks and lawsuits” American-style approach to copyright.
Canadian artists as well as other consumers will be singing the blues, while big businesses reap mega profits if Bill C-61 – the proposed amendment to the Copyright Act – is passed into law, say local musicians and consumer rights advocates.
The bill, which was tabled before Parliament late last week by Industry Minister Jim Prentice, is half-baked and ignores existing market realities and the interests of digital media consumers, according to the Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic.
“This bill looks to the past, not the future,” said Philippa Lawson, director of the Ottawa-based public rights watchdog.