Copyright, Economic Impact Studies

The Government of Canada’s aim is to maintain a modern Copyright Act that promotes the best interests of Canadians, while adhering to our international obligations. In “Supporting Culture and Innovation: Report on the Provisions and Operation of the Copyright Act“, the Government provides a list of key issues that may need to be addressed in the coming years. It comprises outstanding issues from previous rounds of amendments, new issues that have emerged primarily as a result of the development of the Internet and other digital technologies, and also key issues relating to specific international trends and developments.

In particular, the report identified short-term priorities relating to World Copyright Treaty (WCT) and World Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT) issues, the question of ISP liability, and access and education issues. Industry Canada asked some economists to undertake an assessment of the economic impacts of copyright reforms in these areas. These reports reflect the opinions of the authors and are being made available in the hope that they will stimulate debate on the issues.

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