Angus calls on Moore to compromise on copyright bill

OTTAWA – If the Conservative government is serious about modernizing copyright in Canada they will need to learn the word compromise. This is the message being sent to Heritage Minister James Moore by New Democrat Digital Issues Critic Charlie Angus.

“The Conservative copyright bill ignores the needs of Canadian consumers and is a total attack on artist,” said Angus (Timmins – James Bay). “The New Democrats are firm in our support for consumer protection and artist royalties.”

In addition to investigating numerous amendments to address concerns raised by the education sector as well as other elements in the bill, New Democrats are bringing forward amending language aimed at increasing support for artist royalties and establishing a balanced position on digital locks.

“Nowhere is the Conservative’s assault on artists more clear than in their attack on the private copying levy. And the digital lock provisions in this bill are even worse than those found under the notorious DMCA law in the United States,” said Angus. “The government is attacking educators, artists and consumers and, so far, are refusing to back down.”

Angus said that it is unlikely the Liberals will side with the Conservatives on this issue and challenged Minister Moore to open up to language that would make the levy work in a digital realm and make sure that students and educators have reasonable access.

“We are bringing forward language and Minister Moore will have to either compromise or face losing the bill,” said Angus. “The question is whether the Conservatives are willing to compromise or see this legislation go down to defeat. The ball is in their court.”