Changes to Copyright Act

Ottawa has reintroduced legislation to make sweeping changes to Canada’s Copyright Act.

With their first majority government, the Conservatives have brought back several pieces of legislation they couldn’t pass as a minority.

Heritage Minister James Moore says this bill gives creators and copyright owners the tools to protect their work and expand their businesses.

For example, the legislation would make it illegal to break digital locks on online products that prevent them from being shared without proper authorization.

It doesn’t distinguish between burning thousands of copies for distribution or individuals picking a lock on a DVD purchased overseas to watch at home or to transfer a purchased e-book to read on another personal device.