Charlie Angus, NDP Copyright Critic Responds

Written by tinfoil on Monday, 23 June 2008 03:20

We recently posted a youtube video of Charlie Angus & Jim Prentice going toe-to-toe over Bill C-61. Charlie cites real world situations and Jim sticks to his talking points while peppering the discussion with sometimes childish remarks, though I'll give Mr. Prentice credit for the NDP BS line, that was clever.

Mr. Angus responded to my coverage with a pleasent email, which is reproduced in full. Hit Read More.

Greetings Joe,

Thank you for voicing your concerns about bill C-61. For two years we have awaited the Conservatives' copyright bill, that they claimed would be a reasonable balance between the interests of rights-holders and consumers. Despite an outpouring of public opposition to U.S.-style legislation, a Canadian version of the failed DMCA is exactly what we now face.

By all accounts, this bill is even worse than expected. There is no evidence of the government's attempt to strike any reasonable balance between artists and consumers. In fact, the full sanction of locking down legally purchased content with digital locks, reinforced by massive financial penalties if broken, represents a serious attack on individual, property and privacy rights.

I believe that it is time for the MPs representing Canadians to come clean with their constituents, and let them know if they side with the rights of everyday Canadians, or with the U.S. trade lobby. From my seat here in Ottawa, I can tell you that the other parties do not seem to have a handle on the major issues that are wrapped up in this legislation, and are even less able to articulate clear opposition to it. In fact, Liberal MP Denis Coderre is on record saying that the fines faced by Canadian consumers for perfectly reasonable behaviour (like format shifting) might not be high enough in the Conservative's bill.

As the spokesman on copyright for the NDP, I can say that we will fight this bill as a united caucus. We will continue to push for legislation that protects both artists and consumers. This bill puts U.S. corporate interests ahead of both Canadian artists and everyday consumers.

I would strongly encourage you to stay active in this fight by putting the heat on your elected Member of Parliament, the Ministers of Industry and Heritage, and the Prime Minister. They have to understand the political consequences of rolling over for such an egregious attempt by the U.S. entertainment industry to rewrite Canada's copyright laws. It is only with an overwhelming chorus of public opposition to this one-sided bill that we will be able to prevent its successful passage through the House of Commons. Thank you again for getting involved.

All the best,

Charlie Angus, MP
Timmins - James Bay
NDP Spokesman for Digital Issues

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