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OTTAWA — Canadian libraries fear that proposed changes to the Copyright Act are being driven by Hollywood producers eager to crack down on piracy at the expense of ordinary consumers.
The libraries are urging the government to seek balance in any changes proposed to the act.
“This is a battle between Hollywood lobbyists versus the average Canadian,” said Don Butcher, executive director of the Canadian Libraries Association.
He said changes should protect artists and rights holders, while still allowing individuals some latitude to copy material for personal use.
There's a difference between someone burning copies of music CDs for sale to friends and someone who wants to copy a CD to a hard drive in case the disc gets scratched, he said.
Mr. Butcher told a Friday news conference that the Canadian public is concerned about new copyright rules, which are hotly debated on Internet sites and blogs.
“Interest in the legislation isn't just coming from experts and specialists, lawyers and lobbyists; this time interest is coming from ordinary Canadians.”
Industry Minister Jim Prentice was expected to table much-awaited amendments to the act earlier this month, but they never surfaced and he won't say when they will be brought in.
Mr. Butcher said the government shouldn't follow the recent American example, which imposed tough safeguards to protect artists and music, film and media companies from copyright infringement.
He urged the government to find a made-in-Canada solution that respects the rights of all.
