Bill C-61

Bill C-61: An Act to amend the Copyright Act

Preamble:

Whereas the Copyright Act provides an essential framework for predictable and fair commerce, creativity and innovation, and for the orderly passage of works to the public domain to form part of Canada's cultural heritage;

Whereas information and communications technologies that link communities around the world present opportunities and challenges that are global in scope for the creation and use of copyright works or other subject-matter;

Whereas copyright protection may be improved when countries adopt coordinated approaches, based on internationally recognized norms;

Whereas such norms are reflected in part in the World Intellectual Property Organization Copyright Treaty and the World Intellectual Property Organization Performances and Phonograms Treaty, adopted in Geneva in 1996;

Whereas the exclusive rights in the Copyright Act balance rightsholders' recognition, remuneration and ability to assert their rights with the users' rights to freely access, interpret and fairly adapt copyright works or other subject-matter;

Whereas the Government of Canada is committed to improving the protection of copyright works or other subject-matter when and insofar as it promotes the common good, culture and innovation, competition and investment in the Canadian economy;

And whereas Canada’s ability to participate in an economy driven by innovation and network connectivity is fostered by the use of digital technologies for research and education;

And whereas full, unimpeded access to the Canadian public domain is a critically important cultural right which is vital to preserving Canada's cultural heritage;

Now, therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:


For the next section of the Act, click here: Bill C-61/Page 2