Copyright Consultations
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Archived - Frequently Asked Questions
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These frequently asked questions were used during the Government of Canada’s public consultations on copyright, which ran from July 20, 2009, to September 13, 2009.
General Questions on the Copyright Consultation
1) Why is the government consulting on copyright? Why now?
The current copyright legislation was enacted in 2001. It is important that any new legislation that is tabled not only reflect the current technological reality, but is also forward-looking and can withstand the test of time. The government is taking this opportunity to listen to Canadians about what is important to them on copyright.
The government is working towards introducing legislation in the fall.
2) What will the government do with the results of the consultations?
The results of the consultations — the round tables, town hall meetings, online submissions and online discussions — will be available to the public throughout the process.
At the end of these consultations, the government will take stock of the submissions that Canadians have made and the discussions that took place. With these in mind, the government will draft and table new legislation.
Questions on the Need for updated Legislation
3) Why is there a need for updated legislation?
It has been more than 10 years since the last major reform of this important legislation. During that time, new technologies have fostered new ways to create and use copyright material, as well as new distribution models and consumer products. Updates are needed to ensure that Canada's copyright laws are modern and so that Canada can regain its place as a leader in the global digital economy.
4) How does Canadian copyright law compare with those of its international trading partners?
Canada and its international trading partners each have distinct copyright policies, laws and approaches for addressing the challenges and opportunities of the Internet. Canada's current framework provides strong intellectual property protections and our copyright laws apply in the digital context, including on the Internet. Moreover, Canada's regime for the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights is fully consistent with its international obligations.
Questions about Participation
5) Who can participate?
Any Canadian individual, organization or association can participate.
Canadians across the country will have a chance to participate through an online submission centre, an online discussion forum and two web-streamed town hall meetings.
6) How do I participate?
Through the consultation website, you can tell us what's important to you about copyright by using our online submission centre , by joining the online discussion forum or by signing up to attend one of two town hall meetings (although space is limited for in-person participants, online participation will be open to everyone).
The consultations will run until Sunday, September 13, 2009. For further information about upcoming events, please see our calendar.
7) I don't know much about copyright. How do I get the information I need to clearly express my point of view?
This website provides links to a variety of resources that will help you to learn more about copyright. [Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in these links are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of the Government of Canada.]
8) Will my comments be made public or posted online? What if I don't want my comments to be made public?
Your comments will be made public on the copyright consultation website. Please see the guidelines on how to participate for more information.
9) How will my opinion be taken into consideration by the government?
At the end of these consultations, the government will take stock of the submissions and the discussions that have taken place. With these in mind, we hope to introduce copyright legislation in the fall.
10) How do I report comments with inappropriate content?
This consultation process is designed to encourage an open debate; comments with inappropriate content will be removed from the website. To report comments with inappropriate content, please contact info@copyrightconsultation.gc.ca
