A petition initiated by The Writers’ Union of Canada (TWUC), and calling for immediate repair of Canada’s copyright framework, was read into Parliament yesterday by MP Julie Dabrusin (Toronto-Danforth). In response, the government stated it “seeks to ensure that Canada’s copyright marketplace framework laws foster vibrant cultural industries that support creativity and innovation, fair remuneration for creators for the use of their works, and a modern and innovative marketplace that can efficiently serve copyright users.”Official government response came through the Minister of Canadian Heritage, The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, who reiterated the Budget 2022 statement on copyright repair, which promised “concrete actions to address these concerns.”
The Union is pleased to see this recommitment from the federal government in the lead up to Budget 2023. TWUC has kept a daily count of the time elapsed since authors’ economic rights were essentially eliminated at the passage of 2012’s Copyright Modernization Act. As of today, 3,918 days have passed since Canada’s authors could rely on the Copyright Act to effectively regulate the market for our labour.
“Although we are pleased with the response to our petition,” noted Union Chair, Rhea Tregebov, “we have yet to receive delivery of the promises we keep hearing from government. The crisis is undeniable; the debate is over; the solution is clear — why are we still waiting for restitution of our rights?”
Signed by thousands of concerned Canadians, TWUC’s petition calls on government to:
- Ensure educational copying is licensed, with royalties flowing back to writers and publishers;
- Clarify that Copyright Board tariffs are mandatory, with statutory damages for non-compliance; and
- Work with provincial governments to ensure the education sector is properly funded, so it can pay its bills for materials, and deliver essential service to Canadian students.
MP Julie Dabrusin is the author of the Shifting Paradigms report from 2019’s Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, and a resolute champion of creator rights. Her report offered copyright solutions that follow model regulation from Canada’s most important trading partners across Europe, in the UK, and Australia/New Zealand.
The Union thanks Minister Rodriguez and MP Dabrusin, and looks forward to concrete action in Budget 2023.
The Writers’ Union of Canada (TWUC) is the national organization of professionally published writers. TWUC was founded in 1973 to work with governments, publishers, booksellers, and readers to improve the conditions of Canadian writers. Now over 2,600 members strong, TWUC advocates on behalf of writers’ collective interests, and delivers value to members through advocacy, community, and information. TWUC believes in a thriving, diverse Canadian culture that values and supports writers.
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For additional information:
John Degen, Chief Executive Officer
The Writers’ Union of Canada
jdegen@writersunion.ca
Date: March 21, 2023
