Gallant, Matthew

1. How do Canada’s copyright laws affect you? How should existing laws be modernized?
Copyright laws affect each and every Canadian. We're so interconnected we can't help but step over copyrights, trademarks and patents ("intellectual property").

The government of Canada needs to look to failed attempts at copyright reform. Just look to the failure of the American DMCA to uphold the rights of their citizens.

Simply google for "DMCA abuse" and you'll learn more than you need to know about that failed direction for copyright reform.

2. Based on Canadian values and interests, how should copyright changes be made in order to withstand the test of time?
The Canadian government needs to stop pandering to lobby groups and start acting like their constituents are honest, hard-working people, instead of treating them like crooks.

Copyright reform needs fair-use provisions.

3. What sorts of copyright changes do you believe would best foster innovation and creativity in Canada?
It's very simple. Whatever you do, do not put greater restrictions on people's use of the things they own.

The lobby groups' proposals are nothing but added restrictions on existing freedoms.

It's that simple. Do not add more restrictions.

There are existing laws in place to handle copyright violations.

What we need now is to ensure the safety of fair use.

4. What sorts of copyright changes do you believe would best foster competition and investment in Canada?
Do not add greater restrictions on our freedom.

Ensure the safety of our existing freedoms and review draconian laws that restrict our freedoms.

5. What kinds of changes would best position Canada as a leader in the global, digital economy?
Canada would best be served by common sense laws about copyright and fair use.

Do not extend copyright terms to ridiculous numbers of years.

Allow free, fair use for non-profits, personal use, education, government, military, etc.

Protect your citizen's freedoms! Do not let special interest groups erode our freedoms.

Matthew Gallant