Digital Copyright Canada

CBC journalist Jesse Brown has posted his latest netcast that summarized some key Internet issues surrounding the election. He speaks about the antiquated election results blackout, as well as the influence of vote swapping, strategic voting, and copyright on the riding of Edmonton - Strathcona.

I have to admit that I had high hopes for Rahim Jaffer, which he never followed through with. I consider it his personal choice to have technology policy add to environmental policy to push him out of office.

Michael Geist has identified a group of 27 MPs (nine percent of all MPs) who share two key attributes - they won their riding by 10 percent or less in the last election and their riding is home to a university. The combination is important since it is these MPs - not the very safe Jim Prentice - who will face the consequences of the Prentice bill that will harm a generation well versed in digital technologies, social networks, and the Internet.

Edmonton Journal article by Nick Lees discloses the question:

The sun was glinting off the Rocky Mountains on a beautiful day in Jasper when Edmonton's Rahim Jaffer proposed to fellow MP Helena Guergis.

Alberta and Ontario getting together? Hmm... What did Mr. Harper say about "the west" on election night?

Rahim Jaffer, M.P. for Edmonton Strathcona, wrote the following letter in email:

Dear Russell, (you can post it if you want)

I acknowledge receipt of your recent correspondence received at my Ottawa office with regards to the copyright law. It is a pleasure for me to have the opportunity to respond to your concerns.

The Conservative Party believes that we must examine and update our copyright legislation in order to ensure that the rights of Canadian creators are adequately protected by law, that these rights are balanced with the opportunity for the public to use copyrighted works for teaching and research, and that enforcement is applied fairly and in accordance with international standards. The private copying regime in Canada entitles an individual to make copies of sound recordings of musical works for that person’s personal use. Currently, the most important role government can play is one of education in working with industry to develop a public education campaign to better inform users and creators on the copyright laws in Canada . Bill C-60 will be reviewed carefully before given support.

I hope that this information has cleared some of your concerns, if you would like more detailed information I would invite you to contact the Official Opposition critic for -industry, Mr. James Rajotte, M.P. You may also call me directly at my Edmonton office to schedule an appointment; you may contact Ms. Michele Art at 780-495-8404. I look forward to meeting with you.

Sincerely,

Rahim Jaffer, M.P.
Edmonton Strathcona