CAMBRIDGE, Ontario — The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Member of Parliament for Cambridge & North Dumfries welcomed proposed new government legislation to modernize the Copyright Act. This legislation is a key pillar in the government’s commitment in the 2010 Speech from the Throne to position Canada as a leader in the global digital economy.

“I am pleased that our government has introduced legislation that will modernize Canadian copyright law for the digital age” said Minister Goodyear. “This legislation will ensure that Canada’s copyright laws are forward-looking and responsive in a fast-paced digital world while protecting and creating jobs, promoting innovation and attracting new investment to Canada”.

The popularity of Web 2.0, social media, and new technologies such as the MP3 player and digital books have changed the way Canadians create and make use of copyrighted material. This bill recognizes the many new ways in which teachers, students, artists, software companies, consumers, families, copyright owners and many others use technology. It gives creators and copyright owners the tools to protect their work and grow their business models. It provides clearer rules that will enable all Canadians to fully participate in the digital economy, now and into the future.

This legislation will bring Canada in line with international standards and promote home-grown innovation and creativity. It is a fair, balanced, and common-sense approach, respecting both the rights of creators and the interests of consumers in a modern marketplace. The Government of Canada is working to secure Canada’s place in the digital economy and to promote a more prosperous and competitive Canada.

For more information, visit www.balancedcopyright.gc.ca.