[d at DCC] Question to local MP Randy Kamp and other candidates in Maple Ridge, BC

[Russell McOrmond]

Richard Pitt wrote:
> Here's my question - drawing on the comments to include background, keep
> to a single point, and keep it (relatively) short. (I've broken it up to
> emphasize how it is to be read as these will be read to the candidates)

   I'm going to offer a different perspective than Joe who suggested 
extended to other technology law issues, but to instead narrow the 
question. I know I'm a bad person to suggest using less words *smile*, 
but you probably want to focus the question in order to get the type of 
answer you would like to hear.


   Is the question about a living Fair Use regime in Canada?

   Is the question about the USA DMCA, and whether Canada wants to adopt 
similar legislation (Note: C-61 was worse than the DMCA given the DMCA 
specifically said it did not erode fair use which C-61 specifically had 
a TM exception to the insignificant additions to fair dealings)

   Is the question about the difference between signing and ratifying a 
treaty?  It could even be the difference between debating a treaty 
before or after passing enabling legislation, given a debate after 
passing legislation is relatively useless.

   Is the question about statutory damages?
   Is the question about anti-circumvention?
   Is the question a generic one about the candidates views on Copyright?



   If I was a candidate asked this question, and only given a short time 
to answer (as happens in these debates), I would take it as a generic 
question about the needed balance in Copyright.  In my case I would 
obviously include opposition to anti-circumvention and support of a 
living Fair Use, but I'm someone who lives-and-breaths this stuff which 
is very different than most candidates.

> "In light of Heritage Canada's proposals (Bills C60 and C61 in the
> previous two parliamentary sessions respectively)


   Bill C-60 was tabled by the then Liberal Heritage Minister, and Bill 
C-61 was tabled by the current Industry Minister.  There are creators 
who suggest that Bill C-61 is as focused on technical measures as it is 
because it was lead by Industry rather than Heritage.  I may not agree, 
but don't be surprised by that view.

   I'd just say "Conservative Bill C-61 in the previous parliament, and 
Liberal Bill C-60 in the parliament previous to that"

-- 
  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!"