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Behind the Scenes of Canada's Movie Piracy Law
An anonymous reader writes "Michael Geist's latest Toronto Star column features a behind-the-scenes look at how Canada got its movie piracy bill based on internal government documents obtained under the Access to Information Act. Few will be shocked to learn that Hollywood lobbyists provided draft legislation months earlier as part of their barrage of lobbying, though the documents show that advisers to the Minister were skeptical that the proposal would accomplish anything. From the article: 'The industry's lobby efforts were clearly successful. Ignoring the inconsistent claims, the absence of evidence that Canadian films are being affected, the contrary internal advice, and the bracing reality that Hollywood has acknowledged that the U.S. is by far the largest source of illegal camcording worldwide notwithstanding its movie piracy legislation, Bill C-59 is expected to sail through Parliament. In doing so, Ottawa is sending Canadians two messages. The first is what drew the industry standing ovation - unauthorized camcording will not be tolerated in Canada even if it means diverting law enforcement resources from health and safety issues to movie theatres. The second is that private meetings, foreign pressures and lobbyist drafted bills is how law gets made in Canada.'"
A film maker's job is to create an alternate reality and make it believable. They've just done that in real life.
Whilst I'm no fan of Draconian laws, or excessive interferece in the making of those laws, I feel that the number of law enforcement resources that will be diverted is not going to be significant. After all, it hasn't been a factor in the States, has it?
init 11 - for when you need that edge.
My favourite version of this quote is, "Stephen Harper is so far up George Bush's ass that he can almost see Tony Blair's feet."
Look at the tomato! Isn't it sad? He can't dance! Poor tomato!
Don't you know that the most egregious and offensive crime you can commit is stealing (back) from the rich?
You're using her as bait, Master!
"The second is that private meetings, foreign pressures and lobbyist drafted bills is how law gets made in Canada"
To which Bush added : "Canada is now officially part of North America"