Independent Producers Welcome Copyright Modernization Act

Ottawa, September 29, 2011—The Canadian Media Production Association (CMPA) welcomes the federal government’s move to modernize Canada’s copyright laws. The Copyright Modernization Act was tabled in the House of Commons earlier today. It mirrors Bill C-32 which died on the Order Paper when the election was called last spring.

“Canada’s independent producers are leading innovators in content creation,” says Norm Bolen, President and CEO, CMPA. “It is imperative that modern copyright legislation is in place to ensure producers have the tools to thrive in the global digital economy.”

The CMPA appeared before a Parliamentary Committee examining Bill C-32 in February 2011. The Association outlined its general support for the Bill. However, the CMPA also flagged specific areas where it believes the Bill can be improved to better balance the interests of consumers with the needs of creators.

“We understand the Government is still open to improving the Bill by addressing issues such as educational use, and the mash-up provisions, which are some of the matters we have previously raised,” says Bolen. “We look forward to working with them to make the new copyright law even better.”

About the CMPA:
The Canadian Media Production Association (CMPA) (formerly the Canadian Film and Television Production Association) is a non-profit, national industry trade organization. The CMPA represents the interests of leading screen-based media companies in all regions of Canada that are engaged in the production and distribution of English-language television programs, feature films and interactive media content.

-30-

 
For more information please contact:


Anne Trueman
Director of Communications & Media
1.800.656.7440 Ext. 227