Copyright Modernization Act (Bill C-11)

Elizabeth May: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. member for her excellent speech.

I think we all agree that Canada’s copyright legislation needs to be updated. However, we also need to protect consumers’ rights. So many amendments are needed because the technical protection measures are too strict. I hope the NDP will support those amendments during this evening’s vote.

I would like to know the member’s thoughts on eliminating technical protection measures that are too strict, in order to allow consumers to legally use copyrighted material they have legally purchased.

Marie-Claude Morin: Madam Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for the question. Indeed, what is really important to remember about this bill is that the NDP is proposing a balanced approach that does not discriminate against consumers and allows artists and creators to be properly paid for the work they do for our society.

Many organizations agree with our position. For instance, Michael Geist, a technology commentator, supports our position, and so does the Writers Guild of Canada, the Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic, the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada, copyright lawyer Howard Knopf, the Society for Reproduction Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers in Canada, and I could go on. All of these people and organizations share the NDP’s position and have made their position clear to this government, but it refuses to listen.