A controversial bill that seeks to reform Canadian copyright laws, expected to be introduced early this week, may be quashed after a groundswell of opposition erupted over the past week.
The government last week filed a notice indicating the bill would be introduced this week, leading industry experts to expect it to happen on Tuesday. But a spokesperson for Industry Minister Jim Prentice, who was to introduce the bill, said it would not happen on Tuesday and could not say if it would happen this week.
Minister of Industry Jim Prentice has said his proposed copyright reform bill will bring Canada in line with its international obligations.
The House of Commons will take a break until January after Friday’s session.Cory Doctorow, co-editor of influential technology blog Boing Boing and a former director of the Electronic Freedom Foundation advocacy, on Monday wrote that the government’s plan is now in disarray. …
====
I dashed off an email to Jim Prentice from Calgary:
I pretty much agree with Cory Doctorow.
Intellectual digital property protection is important, but the American model of trying to “police” digital rights does not work. There is unanimous agreement on that. Microsoft is selling Office in the developing world for $3 because they understand the old model is over.
Creators of intellectual property that is digitized (I am one of them) need find a new model to generate revenue. The same amount of money will be spent worldwide on content, but distribution is changing. In future there will be few middle men.
And there will be winners and losers in the shift. The sooner Canada adapts, the more Canadians will be winners in the next economy. We have a chance to get ahead of the Americans here.
Do not follow the most backward set of regulations anywhere in the Western world. The USA is a laughing stock.
This issue is a deal breaker for me. If the Harper government goes ahead with it I will not only vote Liberal, but I will lobby for the Liberals in future.
Rick McCharles, Calgary
Rick McCharles 
Here are the weasel words I got in reply from Mr. Prentice on March 18th, 2008 — almost 3 months after I wrote his office.
(… somebody remind me not to vote for his Party. )
Dear Mr. McCharles:
Thank you for your e-mail, regarding possible amendments to the Copyright Act.
The Act must continue to be supportive of innovation and research while reflecting current technological and legal realities. To this end, it must provide adequate protection for copyright holders while promoting access to copyrighted material.
With this in mind, I am pleased to inform you that the federal government committed in the Speech from the Throne on October 16, 2007, to “improve the protection of cultural and intellectual property rights in Canada, including copyright reform.” In this respect, I am working closely with my colleague, the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, with a view to introducing amendments to the Act.
Please be assured that your comments will be taken into account as we move forward.
Sincerely,
The Honourable Jim Prentice, P.C., Q.C., M.P.