Bill C-61 Sucks.

C-61 is the new Copyright Reform bill that our Government released yesterday. While Industry Minister Jim Prentice and Canadian Heritage Minister Josee Verner will try to see this bill to Canadians by pointing out all these great protections they are being given, Prof. Michael Geist suggests that they read the fine print.

I’m disapointed that the Government put this bill together will little to no public debate or consultation. It seems like it is simply a suplication to the desires of certain special interest groups, namely the RIAA, CIRA, and the MPAA. There is also the inclusion of anti-circumvention legislation, which is even harsher then the terrible American DMCA.

I suggest that all Canadians interested in seeing a balanced approach to copyright reform contact their MP’s and let them know that this bill is not equitable to content creators or consumers.

Here are some quick links where you can get some more info. Please, take the time to read a little about this bill, and write, email or phone your representative to let them know what you think about it.

• Copyright For Canadians - form for sending an email to your rep, Prentice, Verner & Mr. Harper.
• Michael Geist - All kinds of interesting stuff about Copyright, law on the internet, etc
• Putting Canadian “Piracy” in Perspective - quick video debunking some popular arguments about piracy.