OTTAWA, June 14, 2007 - On behalf of the Government of Canada, the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, announced that Bill C-59, an Act to Amend the Criminal Code (unauthorized recording of a movie), was passed in the House of Commons on June 13, 2007.
"Canada is adopting new legislative means to curb film piracy, an illegal act that has detrimental effects directly on the film industry here in Canada and around the world," said Minister Oda. "Piracy and mass copying of film also affect our Canadian creators, actors, directors, and producers. We need to take action to ensure that their works are protected. I am pleased that the amendments were adopted unanimously in the House of Commons. I sincerely thank all Members of Parliament for their support in passing this bill, which will support our film sector."
"I am pleased to see that Bill C-59 has made such swift progress through the House of Commons," said the Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. "The sooner this bill becomes law, the sooner local police forces can take action against movie piracy in Canadian theatres, an activity that is having significant economic impacts in our country."
"There is no legitimate reason for copying a film in a movie theatre," said the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry. "By firmly discouraging this practice, the Government restores confidence to producers both at home and abroad. It is great news for creators, distributors, and movie theatres in Canada."
Bill C-59, which will now be sent to the Senate for consideration, proposes two changes to the Criminal Code in order to create two new offences: the recording of a movie in a movie theatre without the consent of the theatre manager and the recording of a movie in a movie theatre without the consent of the theatre manager for the purpose of selling, renting, or other commercial distribution of a copy of the recorded movie. It will also provide the court with the authority to order the forfeiture of anything used in the commission of these offences.
Please visit www.parl.gc.ca for an online version of the legislation.
Information :
Véronique Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women
819 997-7788
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
