Archive for June, 2010

The Bloc on C-32: Only Consumers Suffer Frustration From Digital Locks

After a post on the Bloc's position on three strikes, I was contacted by Bloc Heritage critic MP Carole Lavallée, who wanted to clarify her position on the government's copyright bill.  She provided a detailed response that argues that three strikes is worth considering and expressess doubt about the value of placing digital locks at the foundation of the new copyright bill. Lavallée notes that digital locks do little for creators and create considerable harm and frustration for consumers.  She adds that WIPO is an obsolete approach, advocating instead for the introduction of a levy system.

It should be noted that this suggests that all three opposition parties have now expressed concern with C-32's digital lock provisions. The NDP have been outspoken in their opposition and Liberal critic Marc Garneau has indicated that the bill is missing an exception to allow consumers to break locks for private, non-commercial purposes.  With the Bloc now stating that locks are not a solution, the minority Conservatives will need to find a compromise in order to pass the bill.

Her full response – posted with permission – is below:

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June 17, 2010 54 comments News

Copyright Bill Shortchanges Consumers

The Edmonton Journal runs an op-ed on the negative implications of the digital lock provisions in C-32 for Canadian consumers.

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June 17, 2010 4 comments News

Senate Committee Releases Report on Digital Agenda

The Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications has released its report on a Plan for a Digital Canada.  The report includes many recommendations focused on broadband, competitiveness, and digital leadership.  I appeared before the committee as part of the study in May 2009.

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June 17, 2010 Comments are Disabled News

Ontario Government Consults Business on CETA

The Ontario Government's Ministry of Economic Development and Trade has launched a consultation on the Canada – European Union Trade Agreement.  The consultation is geared to business, seeking specific responses to business barriers to trade.

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June 17, 2010 Comments are Disabled News

Canadian Consumer Groups Respond To Moore on C-32

The Canadian Consumer Initiative, which represents major consumer organizations from across Canada including the Consumers Council of Canada, Option consommateurs, the Public Interest Advocacy Centre and Union des consommateurs, has written to Canadian Heritage Minister James Moore to respond to his comment in the House of Commons asserting that the Chamber of Commerce acts in the best interests of consumers.  The letter notes that the Chamber in no way represents consumer interests and that the CCI is united opposing the digital lock provisions found in C-32.  Full text of the letter below:

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June 16, 2010 14 comments News