NDP MP Charlie Angus has made good on his word to tackle Canada's copyright laws by introducing two proposed amendments to the Copyright Act.
As we told you, Angus was a harsh critic of a behind-closed-doors copyright treaty being planned by the Canadian government in January, and his call for more progressive copyright laws caused quite a stir last September. This all started with an interview in Exclaim!, where Angus was critical of the Canadian government and offered some progressive ideas about copyright reform.
Now, Angus, a former member of the Montreal punk scene, has introduced copyright amendments that are "designed to help balance the interest of both creators and consumers in the digital age," according to a press release.
One of the proposals deals with a levy on audio recorders and MP3 players, and the other is an effort to provide a "fair dealing" provision in Canadian copyright law, according to the release.
First, a private member's bill was introduced by Angus to Canadian Parliament on Tuesday (March 16) to place a fee on the sale of MP3 players that would be paid out to music publishers and record companies, Billboard reports. Angus says the levy would provide what he calls "legal clarity" for music fans who are copying MP3s to a digital player.
Meanwhile, the "fair dealing" motion would work to loosen the grips of copyright infringement for consumers, as well as researchers and educators.
"I've looked at various scenarios," said Angus. "And if we don't find a way to monetize this for artists, we are going to have lawsuits... what strikes me is that Canada has the chance to get this right."
Angus says the NDP are looking to get legislation introduced that will provide economic protection for musicians, but also to make sure that consumers are not unfairly taxed or penalized for enjoying digital music.
As we told you, Angus was a harsh critic of a behind-closed-doors copyright treaty being planned by the Canadian government in January, and his call for more progressive copyright laws caused quite a stir last September. This all started with an interview in Exclaim!, where Angus was critical of the Canadian government and offered some progressive ideas about copyright reform.
Now, Angus, a former member of the Montreal punk scene, has introduced copyright amendments that are "designed to help balance the interest of both creators and consumers in the digital age," according to a press release.
One of the proposals deals with a levy on audio recorders and MP3 players, and the other is an effort to provide a "fair dealing" provision in Canadian copyright law, according to the release.
First, a private member's bill was introduced by Angus to Canadian Parliament on Tuesday (March 16) to place a fee on the sale of MP3 players that would be paid out to music publishers and record companies, Billboard reports. Angus says the levy would provide what he calls "legal clarity" for music fans who are copying MP3s to a digital player.
Meanwhile, the "fair dealing" motion would work to loosen the grips of copyright infringement for consumers, as well as researchers and educators.
"I've looked at various scenarios," said Angus. "And if we don't find a way to monetize this for artists, we are going to have lawsuits... what strikes me is that Canada has the chance to get this right."
Angus says the NDP are looking to get legislation introduced that will provide economic protection for musicians, but also to make sure that consumers are not unfairly taxed or penalized for enjoying digital music.
