Reply from the Minister of Industry

The Honorable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry looks forward to working with the Coalition of Art Professionals.

The Minister of Industry replied to the letter of concern by email, indicating that he was working closely with Minister Oda. He indicated that he wishes to ensure that the Act reflects current technological and legal realities. And he wants to ensure that the Act is supportive of innnovation and research. He also mentions providing balance between protection for copyright holders and access to copyrighted material.

To: Mr. Gordon Duggan
The Coalition of Art Professionals
(common.r@mac.com)

Dear Mr. Duggan:

Thank you for your electronic correspondence of June 6, 2006, also addressed to the Honourable Bev Oda, attaching a letter conveying the concerns of the Coalition of Art Professionals regarding the impact of copyright law on artists using appropriation in their artworks.

With respect to the issues which fall under the mandate of the Minister of Industry, the Coalition expressed concerns about the adequacy of the current “fair dealing” provisions of the Copyright Act (the Act) for the appropriation arts, and suggested its possible replacement with a “fair use” exception. I have also noted the Coalition’s comments on the potential impact of legislation for technological protection measures.

Please be assured that I am working closely with my colleague, Minister Oda, to ensure that the Act reflects current technological and legal realities, and is supportive of innovation and research. I am also mindful of the fact that the Act must ensure a balance between adequate protection for copyright holders and reasonable access to copyrighted material.

Once again, thank you for writing on this important issue. I look forward to working with the Coalition of Art Professionals as the reform process continues.

Sincerely,

Maxime Bernier

c.c. The Honourable Bev Oda, P.C., M.P.