Further to C-32 & the A2K Problem

Further to my op-ed, which appeared in today's Hill Times (full text), it is worthy to note that Canada has spoken out at the World Intellectual Property Organization calling for movement at the international level to encourage the export of special format editions for the visually impaired. Currently, Canada's copyright bill, C-32, would allow the export of special-format editions of works by Canadian authors or authors of the country of destination, but not works by authors of a third country. My op-ed suggested that Canada could do more. It's worthy to note, however that Canada has in fact called for an international solution that would also cover those third-country works (see here, p. 41). While not as bold as leading the way by example, Canada's call is definitely a good move.

C-32 & the A2K Problem

My op-ed, "The A2K problem: copyright, accessibility and the future of copyright in Canada," appears in today's Hill Times. In it, I argue that Canada's Bill C-32 is an early move among international efforts to address the copyright needs of the visually impaired, easing the difficulties of creating and making available accessible-format works. It could set an example for other countries and international negotiations to follow. However, I argue that Canada could do more to address those needs than what is contained in C-32. Canada’s efforts should rise to the standard of a new age of access to knowledge, instead of becoming part of the A2K problem.

Carleton University has posted the full op-ed here.