New copyright bill is balanced approach to competing interests

OTTAWA – Canada’s universities welcome today’s re-introduction of the federal government’s copyright bill and look forward to it becoming law.

“This bill reflects a fair balance between the interests of creators and users of copyright works and is a positive step forward for university communities across Canada,” says Paul Davidson, President of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. “It clarifies important questions and will help ensure students and learners have access to the content they need, including digital material.”

This bill will allow universities to harness new technologies, including the Internet, to deliver research and learning materials to faculty members and students. The new legislation will also help with technology-enhanced learning so that mature students and those in remote communities, including aboriginal students, have the same access to education as those on campus.

“Professors and students at Canadian universities are both creators and users of copyright works,” says Mr. Davidson. “Canadian universities recognize the importance of balance between the desire of creators to receive fair remuneration for the use of their works and the public interest in being able to use information for purposes such as research and education. This copyright law will result in a fairer treatment for both parties.”

Universities and university students pay large sums to purchase and license educational materials and this will continue under this new legislation. Canada’s university libraries spend more than $300 million annually to buy and license new content for research and learning. In addition, more than $400 million is spent every year in university bookstores to buy new textbooks, course packs and works in digital format.

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For more information or interview opportunities:

Helen Murphy
AUCC Communications Manager
hmurphy@aucc.ca
613-563-1236 ext. 238