Angus to Van Loan on ACTA

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And with parliament in a vacuum, the minority Conservatives seem “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.

He’s talking about the entertainment cartel ACTA (Anti-Counterfeiting Treaty Agreement) talks which have started up again Mexico, still behind closed doors.

But “Why the secrecy?”- asks Angus .”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 suggest the government is considering the adoption of a Three Strikes policy on suspected illegal downloading, says Angus.

Today, in a letter to international trade minister Peter Van Loan, “I share the alarm of a growing number of legislators in other jurisdictions over the high level of secrecy surrounding these negotiations,” says Angus, going on >>>

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