With news that the House of Commons has taken a break for the summer, there will be no legislative committee examining Bill C-32 until the fall.
News
Canadian Heritage Committee Releases Interim Digital Media Report
The Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage has released an interim report on its Digital Media: Opportunities and Challenges study. I appeared before the committee in the spring. The report simply reviews witness testimony without adopting any recommendations.
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:
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.
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.