Archive for May, 2008

Angus Raises Copyright During Question Period

Fresh off the Canadian Press story that the suggests a copyright bill delay, copyright reform made it back onto the floor of the House of Commons.  NDP MP Charlie Angus posed two questions (audio) (video) (transcript) to Industry Minister Jim Prentice, packing in the LeBreton comment about the dangers of […]

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May 15, 2008 4 comments News

CRTC Sets Timeline for Throttling Case

The CRTC this morning issued its promised plan for addressing the substantive issues raised by the CAIP complaint over Bell's throttling practices.  The plan has an aggressive timeline with all submissions in by June 26th and a decision promised within 90 days.   Bell and CAIP have been asked to respond […]

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May 15, 2008 12 comments News

The Canadian DMCA Delayed Again? I’m Not So Sure

Ever since the government decided to delay Canadian copyright reform last December, Industry Minister Jim Prentice has relied on the same talking point – "When (Canadian Heritage Minister Josee) Verner and I have reached a consensus and we're satisfied, we will introduce a bill."  On Wednesday Prentice was asked about […]

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May 14, 2008 4 comments News

Speaking to the Parliamentary IP Caucus

I have been critical of the Parliamentary IP Caucus, so I should be equally quick to praise where appropriate.  Tonight I was invited to appear before the caucus and given two full hours to make a presentation and participate in an engaging discussion on copyright.  The meeting was well attended with members from all four parties in attendance. 

My powerpoint slides are posted below (the first half of the talk covered the same ground as the Copyright Myths presentation I gave a couple of weeks ago).  My key messages centred on putting copyright reform in context and getting the key content issues right.  From context perspective, I highlighted:

  • the need to recognize both the importance and limits of copyright
  • the lack of recent consultation
  • how Canadian copyright law is not nearly as weak as critics suggest
  • why the WIPO Internet treaties provide great flexibility in implementation
  • why focusing on copyright may undermine the efforts to address commercial counterfeiting
  • how there are many voices expressing concern with a Canadian DMCA approach

I was also asked about my recommendations for reform.  I provided nine points:

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May 14, 2008 4 comments Committees, News

CRTC Denies CAIP Request for Interim Relief from Bell’s Throttling

The CRTC this morning denied CAIP's request for interim relief blocking Bell's throttling practices.  The Commission ruled that CAIP did not meet the standard for interim relief.  It acknowledged that there is a serious issue to be determined, but it was not convinced that there will be irreparable harm if […]

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May 14, 2008 6 comments News