[d@DCC] Candidates blindly endorsing party position.

From: Russell McOrmond <russell _-at-_ flora.ca>
To: General Copyright Discussions <discuss (at) digital-copyright.ca>
Date: Tue, 15 Jun 2004 12:26:59 -0400 (EDT)

  We have received a number of acknowledgments to the CIPPIC questions
that just indicate that the candidate endorses the party position.  In the
case of the NDP this position hasn't been authored yet.  In the case of
some of the Greens they endorsed a position they thought was the party
position which turned out to be the personal speaking notes of one party
member.

  I find this quite frustrating.  These areas of policy are not ones where
there was any consensus shown in the last government within parties.  
Whether an MP was in Heritage Committee or Industry, Science and
Technology Committee seemed to be a far larger determinant of views than
what political party they were from.

Candidates previously on Standing Committee on Industry, Science and
Technology
  http://www.digital-copyright.ca/node/view/335

Candidates previously on Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage
  http://www.digital-copyright.ca/node/view/322



  Take the NDP as one example.  One of the last things I read from Wendy
Lill (NDP Heritage 'critic', who is not running in this election) was yet
another call to fast-track WIPO treaty ratification.  This from a party
who often has candidates who lobby against international trade agreements,
especially Investment provisions, with this WIPO treaty having as many
dire consequences.

Note: I am pro-Free Trade, but consider Investment and much of so-called
"Intellectual Property" treaties to be protectionism and often barriers to
trade.  I believe that Legal protection for DRM violates WTO's "Technical
Barriers to Trade" relating to standards, and is an example of an
anti-Free Trade provision in these treaties. (DRM that claims to need
"legal protection" would not be strong crypto and key-based, and would be
non-standard "secret" implementations)


  On the other side was Brian Masse (NDP Industry 'critic') who seemed
quite aware of Internet, PCT (specifically offering many ideas on patents)  
and related issues.  He was quite supportive of my intervention in front
of Industry Committee.

  The same could be seen with all the other parties.  In the case of the
official Liberal response they answered based on the Heritage side of the
debate, which is unfortunate given that is the record that I feel forced
to volunteer large amounts of time protect creators and citizens against.

  Undecided Ottawa South Voter looking to get questions answered.
  http://www.digital-copyright.ca/node/view/354

  Getting individual candidates to reply to questions is critical for our 
being able to use these answers to help decide who to vote for.

-- 
 Russell McOrmond, Internet Consultant: <http://www.flora.ca/> 
 Open letters with Susan Crean http://www.flora.ca/creators/
 Petition for Users' Rights, Protect Internet creativity and innovation
       Election 2004: http://digital-copyright.ca/
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