I was trying to figure out why Canada, after all it's "blank media" levies and protections on fair use, is suddenly bowing to the record labels (mostly American) regarding DRM and the removal of fair use provisions. Turns out they've been buying their way into our new 'n fancy "accountable" conservative government. Check this out from Michael Geist:
I've already reported about how CRIA was busy arranging an event for government officials within days of the election which led to a sponsored lobby session on March 2nd that included a government-funded lunch and a private meeting with Minister Oda. Now new documents reveal that this was merely the tip of the iceberg. Four weeks later (on April 1st), CRIA hosted a private lunch at the Juno Awards for Bev Oda featuring Henderson and the presidents of the major music labels followed by an artist roundtable. Six weeks after that (on May 16th), Graham Henderson was granted another meeting with Bev Oda, this time to counter the news that the indie labels had left CRIA and that the CMCC had launched.
This represents an incredible amount of access, particularly considering the unwillingness of the Minister or her staff to even meet with groups representing Canadian artists. With literally monthly private meetings this spring between the Minister of Canadian Heritage and the President of the Canadian Recording Industry Association is it any wonder that Canadians are skeptical about whether their interests will be addressed in the next copyright bill?
Here's her contact info:
http://www.bevoda.ca/contact.htm [bevoda.ca]
Contact Bev: Bowmanville Office: 68 King Street East Bowmanville, Ontario L1C 3X2
Phone: (905) 697-1699 Fax: (905) 697-1678
Ottawa Office: House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6
Phone: (613) 992-2792 Fax: (613) 992-2794 Email: Oda.B@parl.gc.ca
http://www.michaelgeist.ca/content/view/1631/125/
