To Minister Jim Prentice, Industry Canada, the Department of Canadian Heritage, and other concerned agencies:
My name is Matthew Brehmer. I am 21 years old, and currently a student at Queen’s University, where I plan to attain my Bachelor of Computing degree. I am also an independent musician, and adamant supporter of the Canadian music and arts community. This is my first time writing to a member of parliament, for this message pertains to an issue I am deeply concerned about: the proposed Canadian copyright legislation.
I believe that this legislation, based on the US Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), gives far too much power to publishers and US copyright interest groups such as the RIAA and MPAA, at the expense of individual’s rights, and with little or no benefit for artists. In recent years, the internet has provided artists with the means to establish their own business model and fan base, without the use of a middle-man, namely record companies and major film studios. For example, in this past year, several one-time major record label associated artists have used the internet as a means of independently releasing and promoting their work, all DRM-free, and to a great degree of commercial success. Unfortunately, publishers and copyright interest groups, largely American multinational organizations, do not understand this model, and therefore rely on bullying foreign and domestic governments into protecting their interests, and their own outdated model.
Until recently, I have had high hopes that Canada would remain a forward-thinking nation in this respect, making way for such ideals as a revolutionary artist-driven industry, with fair copyright laws and positive results for artists. Instead, the proposed legislation inhibits Canadians’ freedoms, restricting the right to free speech, freedom of expression, and other activities such as fair and lawful use, reverse engineering, and the liberty to carry out computer security research. It is not in the best interest of the Canadian public, nor is it in the interest of artists. We will be subjecting Canadians to bullying from the aforementioned groups.
As someone who cares deeply about the future of arts, culture, and technology in Canada, this is a backwards step we must avoid.
Sincerely,
Matthew Brehmer
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Tags: canada, government policy, arts and culture
You know, you have an eloquent way for phrasing yourself for someone who’s probably written more code then essays in the past four years.
I liked that content of you’re letter too by the way : )