FYI...

------------------------------------

Subject: Copyright legislation input From: Bill bill3@uniserve.com Date: Sun, 06 Sep 2009 00:48:10 -0700

Hello,

I wonder if you would re-post this email to your groups mailing list? It's self explanatory and should be of concern to many technical folks. Thank you.

Bill

Hi,

I'm Bill McGrath. I write software, am a Director of the Vancouver Linux User Group and am a founding member of the Vancouver Fair Copyright Coalition.

I'm writing today with respect the ongoing consultation on copyright in Canada. The federal government intends to introduce new legislation early next year and is presently soliciting input from ordinary Canadians. This process will end on Sunday, September 13, 2009, so there is about one week left for you to contribute your voice to the chorus of Canadians who are deeply concerned about the changes that lobbyists for transnational conglomerates are demanding to copyright law.

When Bill C-61 was tabled in the House of Commons there was widespread outrage at such a ham-fisted attempt to deal with complex and sensitive issues. Fortunately, it was dropped when Parliament was porogued. One of the strongest criticisms of Bill C-61 was that government had not consulted the people. But now we have our chance. Government has decided to listen.

I'm sure you've all heard of the DMCA and it's downside. We definitely don't want this in Canada. We need you to send an email to government.

Of course, most people aren't experts. They don't know what to say. So we've put together a submission guideline that hits the main general points and a number of specific points of special concern to technical folk - programmers, administrators, technicians and so on.

Sending an email will take as little as ten minutes. I'm sure you can find time in the next week to voice your concerns. Numbers matter, so each and every email counts.

Our 4 Step Submission Guideline for technical folk contains all you need to know to put together an email. It includes examples, a glossary of terms and links to more information. It lives at: http://faircopy.ca/participate

Please find the time, before Sunday, September 13th to express your concerns to the government. Invite your friends and cross post this email where it will help to get the word out.

Thank you for your time and your contribution. Democracy will prevail.

Bill