Last week, I posted a 2008 election copyright pledge that focused on three commitments for copyright reform – respecting both creators and consumers, ensuring that any reforms do not undermine or weaken user rights such as fair dealing, and committing to full public consultations on any reforms before introducing a bill and inclusive hearings once tabled.
The initial reaction to the pledge has been very strong. I am pleased to advise that the Green Party (as a party) has agreed to the pledge. In addition, the following NDP MPs have added their names as supporters:
- Charlie Angus, New Democrat MP, Timmins-James Bay, ON
- Olivia Chow, New Democrat MP, Trinity-Spadina, ON
- Libby Davies, New Democrat MP, Vancouver East, BC
- Michael Byers, New Democrat Candidate, Vancouver Centre, BC
- Anne Lagacé Dowson, New Democrat Candidate, Westmount, QC
- Phil Brown, New Democrat Candidate, Nepean-Carleton, ON
- John Chan, New Democrat Candidate, Calgary Centre-North, AB
- Tyler Kinch, New Democrat Candidate, Calgary Centre, AB
It is great to see the momentum behind a commitment to fair copyright reform in Canada (and note that Angus has just issued a press release focusing on NDP opposition to C-61). With just under two weeks until the election, there is still time to raise the issue with local candidates. Raise it today in your riding and let me know if you receive any responses. I'll post an updated list next week. The pledge again:
