The House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology, chaired by Conservative MP James Rajotte, has announced plans to conduct hearings on science and technology policy this spring.  The hearings represent an exceptionally important opportunity to advance issues such as open access, crown copyright, access to public data, and the need for greater flexibility in intellectual property rules.  In fact, the Committee has specifically requested short briefing papers on issues such as federal funded research, intellectual property, and science advice to the government.  The deadline for submitting papers is April 18, 2008.