Is Canada about to lose its own "identity" to outside US led "intellectual" copyright regulations ?
http://www.slyck.com/story1601_Canada_to_Strengthen_Intellectual_Property_Throne_SpeechWhile opposition to restrictive copyright reform is big in Canada, the current government chose to try and change the copyright laws anyway. While the governments words are relatively vague, many are not doubting what the government meant by this.
"With U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Wilkins looking on, the Conservative government unveiled its Speech from the Throne tonight. Wilkins and the copyright lobby undoubtedly liked what they heard." Michael Geist wrote in his blog, "No words of balance, no words of access - simply more protection led by copyright legislation. This suggests - consistent with most speculation - that a DMCA-style bill could be coming to Canada within a matter of weeks."
One thing that is evident in all of this; based on Geist and McOrmond's comments, it's clear who is currently getting what they want. CRIA, late last month, posted a press release which says, "The organizations behind the Throne Speech call join a growing chorus of public and private sector voices demanding decisive government action on IP rights." The press release further says, "In 2007 to the end of July, wholesale sales of CDs, music DVDs and other "physical" music formats fell 20 percent to $183 million, from $230 million a year earlier, according to CRIA figures, which represent the vast majority of music sales in Canada. This follows a 48 percent drop in retail sales of physical formats since the advent of widespread unauthorized file-swapping in 1999 and the proliferation of CD and music DVD counterfeiting in recent years (from $1.3 billion in 1999 to $679 million in 2006)."
Many point out that the drop in CRIAs record sales are sourced to the fact that the major Canadian record labels left CRIA in the first place. Many also point out that CRIA is on the receiving end of millions thanks to the private copying levy in Canada. This is only two of many arguments against CRIAs arguments. Whether CRIA gets everything they want remains to be seen, but so far, they seem to have managed to override their opposition.
Remember folks that if these politicians try to steal from you then ensure they are not given a second chance and use your vote wisely in any election, all too often it seems those we trust to look after our interests are on the receiving end of "donations" from outside influences that have no business attempting to undermine democratic rule in this corrupt way, stay alert and be prepared to defend your rights, waiting till they are gone is not the wisest of moves.
