CANADIAN ARTISTS STUMP FOR TOUGHER COPYRIGHT LAWS National Post In anticipation of a new federal copyright law, an alliance representing writers, musicians and actors has released a platform detailing what they think is best for Canadian artists.
The Creators Copyright Coalition's report, released Monday, calls for artists to be given the sole right "to produce or reproduce the work or any substantial part thereof in any material form" and "to transfer the work or any substantial part thereof to another medium."
The group, which includes the Writers Guild of Canada and the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists, also wants Internet service providers (ISPs) to "share in the responsibility" for their online content, and to "share liability" when copyright infringement occurs on their networks.
"Creators have been waiting far too long for copyright reform. It is time to protect the rights of all authors and performers in the Internet age," Bill Freeman, chair of the coalition said in a statement.
The government's new copyright law proposal was expected to be introduced before the New Year, but was stalled by protests and concerns from various interest groups, including the Fair Copyright for Canada Facebook group set-up by Michael Geist, a University of Ottawa law professor (and copyright law activist).
Many esteemed artists and coalition members have spoken out in support of the platform.
"While the digital age has offered music creators wonderful opportunities, it is clear that the rampant unpaid online consumption of music and other content has had a devastating effect. We need up-to-date copyright legislation that will protect the value of our rights, ensuring us a future where creators will be compensated for the use and enjoyment of our work," songwriter Stan Meissner said in a statement. |