Answers needed on secret ACTA talks

OTTAWA – With Parliament suspended, the Harper government appears set to push ahead with a treaty that will override Canadian domestic law and undermine Parliament’s right to establish copyright legislation, says New Democrat Digital Issues Critic Charlie Angus. The Anti-Counterfeiting Treaty Agreement (ACTA) talks re-convened today in Guadalajara, Mexico, without consultation with opposition parties or the Canadian public.

“Why the secrecy?” asks Angus (Timmins-James Bay). “This is a treaty that has the potential to criminalize the behaviour of thousands of Canadians, and lock down future development of the internet.

“The government can’t hide behind a locked out Parliament. It must be accountable to the citizens of Canada.”

Leaked drafts of the ACTA treaty indicate that the government is considering the adoption of a “Three Strikes” policy on suspected illegal downloading. This policy could be used to strip citizens of the right to have internet accounts before they have even been convicted. The treaty could also allow for search and seizure of iPods and laptops at border crossings.

In a letter sent to International Trade Minister Peter Van Loan, Angus challenged him to explain how ACTA will impact Canada's domestic copyright policy.

“Minister, you have no mandate to trade away the domestic privacy rights and longstanding copyright policies of Canadians. Backroom deals are no way to promote development of digital culture. Shutting down Parliament does not remove the obligation of this government to be accountable to the Canadian public.”

In the absence of Question Period in the House of Commons during this period of prorogation, Angus has asked the Minister for a prompt response to these issues of domestic sovereignty.