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Canadian government hosts online copyright forum

With very little fanfare, and smack in the middle of the summer vacation season, the government of Canada has set up a website to solicit Canadians’ opinions about “the important issue of copyright.” Spearheaded by Tony Clement, the minister of industry, and James Moore, minister of Canadian heritage and official languages, the Copyright Consultation Website allows Canadians to register and submit their views about a range of copyright issues during the period from July 20 through Sept. 13.

From a news release posted to the site:

“Canadians are concerned with copyright and its implications in our increasingly digital environment. Our goal is to give Canadians from across the country a chance to express their views on how the government should approach the modernization of copyright laws,” said Minister Clement. “Your opinions and suggestions will help us draft new, flexible legislation so that Canada can regain its place on the cutting edge of the digital economy.”

The site includes a discussion forum, online submission centre for comments and suggestions, and a multimedia centre. In addition to the online endeavour, Clement and Moore will attend two town hall meetings, one in Montreal on July 30 and the other in Toronto on Aug. 27, to discuss copyright issues. These town halls will be streamed live on the website. The government plans to table new copyright legislation in the fall.