Jim Prentice, the Minister of Industry – along with Joseé Vernier, Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Status of Women – introduced Bill C-61 on June 12th, 2008. Mr. Prentice had delayed introducing legislation like this several times before; however given the current climate of political scandal (the foreign affairs minister leaving sensitive, secret materials at his ex-girlfriend’s house – with her as a known associate of the Hell’s Angels) it appears that this is the time for the legislation to see the light of day.
The legislation is incredibly damaging to Canadian consumers. It aims to curb your rights to placeshift data that you have legally purchased. It reduces your rights to break encryption. It prohibits unlocking cellphones. It would make ripping CDs to your iPod illegal. Fines of $500 to $20,000 wait for Canadians who continue participating in behaviours that are legal and endorsed by Canadian artists right now.
This bill needs to die a quick death. Who among our politicians will stand up for our rights? Who will sell us out to media conglomerates?