Ottawa, June 2, 2010-The Canadian Chamber of Commerce today applauded the government for introducing legislation to modernize the Copyright Act and thereby strengthen intellectual property (IP) protection in Canada.

“This bill demonstrates the government’s recognition that better IP protection lays the foundation for future economic growth and job creation,” said Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “The Copyright Act amendments announced today are welcomed by Canada’s business community as an important step to ensure a competitive, thriving economy.”

No industry is immune to the theft of intellectual property. Counterfeiting and piracy have a significant impact on consumers, businesses and governments, through safety issues, lost sales, reduced investment and lower tax revenues.

Bill C-32 will implement the provisions of the World Intellectual Property Protection Organization (WIPO) Copyright Treaty and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty. The Canadian Chamber endorses the ratification of these treaties, which were signed by Canada more than a decade ago, and supports a made-in-Canada approach.

The passage of Bill C-32 will improve digital IP safeguards. Other measures, such as enhanced border protection against counterfeits and an updated patent regime, are also needed.

“Stronger digital IP protection will give business more confidence to invest in innovation, helping lay the groundwork for even further productivity gains and future economic success,” Mr. Beatty said. “The Canadian Chamber will continue to press for other legislative changes and increased enforcement to fight all forms of counterfeiting and piracy.”

“In the rapidly changing global economy, protecting intellectual property is critical to ensuring a competitive and stable business environment in Canada”.
- Françoise Bertrand, President, Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec

“From our perspective, intellectual property rights protection is very important to the growth of our regional economy”.
- Joan Fisk, President & CEO Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce

“The introduction of this bill is definitely a step forward in protecting intellectual property rights”.
- Valerie Payn, President, Halifax Chamber of Commerce

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For more information, contact:
Chris Gray, Director of Policy
613-238-4000 x.251 or 613-851-3478
cgray@chamber.ca