[Announce] New bill coming, Facebook groups of Interest.

[Russell McOrmond]

   In case anyone in this list didn't know already, a bill that is 
intended to allow Canada to ratify the controversial 1996 WIPO treaties 
is expected to be tabled before the Christmas break.

   We know that there will be interest.  The CBC radio/podcast show 
"Search Engine" did a story on the upcoming bill, and created a BLOG 
article for people to comment.  Within a day they received hundreds of 
questions aimed at the Minister of Industry.
   http://www.cbc.ca/searchengine/

   For those on Facebook, there are now a few groups to discuss the 
upcoming bill and coordinate action. 
http://www.digital-copyright.ca/node/4378

   The next month will be critical on digital copyright in Canada, so 
please take whatever time you can.  Michael Geist has created an page 
and video: The Canadian DMCA: What You Can Do
   http://www.michaelgeist.ca/content/view/2431/125/


   This of course includes signing our two petitions, and we will want 
to collect as many signatures as we can to table more in the new year 
during the debate!

-- 
  Russell McOrmond, Internet Consultant: <http://www.flora.ca/>
  Please help us tell the Canadian Parliament to protect our property
  rights as owners of Information Technology. Sign the petition!
  http://www.digital-copyright.ca/petition/ict/

  "The government, lobbied by legacy copyright holders and hardware
   manufacturers, can pry my camcorder, computer, home theatre, or
   portable media player from my cold dead hands!"