OTTAWA – The union representing Canada’s professional creators says that Bill C-32 threatens their ability to thrive, innovate and reinvest in Canada’s digital economy.
Appearing Tuesday in Ottawa, the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) told MPs that there are six aspects of the proposed new Copyright Bill that require amendments: the extension of the private copying levy; the provision on user generated content; the expanded fair dealing; statutory damages; preserving the broadcast mechanical licence; and implementing a graduated response regime for serial copyright offenders.
“We’re challenging MPs to do the right thing and have the guts to stand up for creators’ rights and amend this Bill,” said national president Ferne Downey, in a statement. “A good Bill must do more than fight off piracy and those who feel entitled to something for nothing; it must also protect the right of creators to be compensated for the legitimate use of their work.”
While calling copyright reform “long overdue”, ACTRA said that the Bill, as it stands, puts at risk the $126 million in annual revenues that creators, performers and other rights holders currently earn under collective licences.
