2019-04-09
Bill C-440. Introduction and first reading
Mr. Brian Masse (Windsor West, NDP) moved for leave to introduce Bill C-440
, An Act to amend the Copyright Act (term of copyright).
He said: Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise to introduce my bill to amend the Copyright Act. In particular we would drop section 12, and that is “…Without prejudice to any rights or privileges of the Crown, no copyright subsist in any work that is or has been prepared or published by or under the direction of the control of Her Majesty or any other government department”.
As things stand right now, the government is a closed door when it comes to government publications, research and a number of periodicals that are published. In fact, this costs us a significant amount of taxpayers’ money. Second, it is against open government, and this is based upon a law that Canada enacted in 1921, which was based on a law from 1911 from the U.K.
Therefore, this bill would save money for taxpayers, it would provide for educators and innovators, open government and bring accountability. Most importantly, it would bring Canada in line with so many other countries that have information available for businesses or civil society and for the advancement of our nation and our country of Canada.