ARCHIVED — Information Technology Innovation Centre (University College of Cape Breton)
Archived Content
Information identified as archived on the Web is for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It has not been altered or updated after the date of archiving. Web pages that are archived on the Web are not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats on the "Contact Us" page.
COPYRIGHT REFORM PROCESS
SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED REGARDING THE CONSULTATION PAPERS
Documents received have been posted in the official language in which they were submitted. All are posted as received by the departments, however all address information has been removed.
Submission from Information Technology Innovation Centre, Departement of Economic and Technological Innovation, University College of Cape Breton received on September 13, 2001 via e-mail
Subject: Government of Canada Copyright Reform
PDF VersionRe: Comments - Government of Canada Copyright Reform
To Industry Canada, Intellectual Property Policy Directorate,
On behalf of the University College of Cape Breton and Jacquelyn Thayer Scott, President & Vice-Chancellor I submit the following comments in response to your Consultation Paper on Digital Copyright Issues:
The provisions under consideration within the consultation paper would amend the Canadian Copyright Act to ban, with few exceptions, software and use of information that circumvent copy prevention technologies. This would have a severe negative impact on the device design and computer security research fields, as software tools to perform reverse engineering - an integral component of carrying out research in these areas, will become illegal. If the scope of the copyright amendments is too broad, it has the potential to turn legitimate researchers into criminals.
Additionally, we are concerned about the elimination/restriction of fair use copying of copyrighted material. If we purchase a software, video, or audio product, we would wish to have the option of making a backup copy of the material in the event that the original becomes damaged. Techniques and technology used to produce backups could be made illegal. Restrictions on fair use will also limit research activities regarding duplication of literature to be used in research.
We urge you to remove the provisions within the consultation paper that would limit these freedoms and restrict legitimate research.
Sincerely,
Ronald F. MacNeil. P.Eng., Director
Information Technology Innovation Centre
Department of Economic and Technological Innovation
University College of Cape Breton
- Date modified:
