Proposed Canadian Copyright Reform — Bill C-61

After much anticipation, the federal government released Bill C-61, An Act to Amend the Copyright Act. The Bill would amend the Copyright Act in order to implement the World Intellectual Property Organization Copyright Treaty (WCT) and Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT), create exceptions for certain uses of copyright material for private purposes, create exceptions for Internet service providers (ISPs) and permit certain uses for educational and research purposes of Internet and other digital technologies.

Implementation of WCT and WPPT

(a) Making Available

The Bill contains a making available right that applies to sound recordings. There is no express enactment of a making available right for works such as music, computer programs, books and films. In briefing documents accompanying the , the government stated that this right already exists in Canadian law for works.