IFRRO supports Access Copyright and Copibec’s recommendations for copyright reform and calls on the Canadian government to act

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

TORONTO [October 2, 2024] – Yesterday, the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations (IFRRO) announced its support at its annual General Assembly, which brought together 150 members from over 80 countries, for the copyright reform recommendations put forward by Access Copyright and Copibec. This initiative aims to restore a viable market for the reproduction of copyrighted works in the Canadian educational environment, in line with international copyright commitments.

Canada’s 2012 Copyright Modernization Act introduced an exception for fair dealing in educational settings that is incompatible with international copyright treaties, notably the Berne Convention. The Canadian government has not yet acted to guarantee fair remuneration for creators and rights holders for the reproduction of their works by educational institutions.

“The whole IFRRO community is concerned about the legal implications in Canada related to copyright. As a community, we have approved a resolution at this year’s General Assembly to further show our support to our Canadian members in their endeavours to protect copyright and collective management,” says Anita Huss-Ekerhult, CEO and Secretary General of IFRRO.

Access Copyright and Copibec have long been calling for copyright reform in Canada. They propose that the Canadian government amend the Copyright Act to:

1. Ensure that fair dealing only applies to institutions where a work is not commercially available under licence by the owner or collective.
2. Clarify that tariffs approved by the Copyright Board of Canada are mandatory, and enforceable against infringers of copyright-protected works subject to a tariff.
3. Ensure statutory damages are available to all collectives and rebalanced to deter mass copying by institutions.

IFRRO calls on the Canadian government to immediately amend the Copyright Act to implement these recommendations. This legislative change is essential to ensure that the Canadian legal framework complies with Canada’s international obligations, and to promote the remuneration of rights holders for the reproduction of their works by educational institutions.

With Canada’s Copyright Act celebrating its centenary this year, there’s never been a better time to position Canada as an international model for copyright.

About IFRRO
The International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations (IFRRO) is an independent, non-profit association. It facilitates the international collective management of reproduction rights and other rights to textual and iconographic works through the cooperation of its member Reproduction Rights Organizations (RROs). With over 150 members from more than 85 countries worldwide, it represents several million authors, visual artists and publishers of books, journals, newspapers, magazines and printed music.

About Access Copyright
For over 35 years, Access Copyright has facilitated the use of content for educational and professional purposes. The organization helps users make personalized use of published materials, while ensuring that original creators and publishers also benefit, so that they can continue to create new and innovative works. This is vitally important for a strong Canadian culture and for all those who rely on quality publications.

About Copibec 
Copibec is Quebec’s collective management society for reproduction rights, representing more than 30,000 authors and over 1,400 publishing houses. Founded in 1997, it facilitates legal access to a vast repertoire of works protected by the Copyright Act through a licensing service. Internationally, the collective has signed agreements with 33 foreign societies, enabling it to manage the rights of millions of foreign publications. Its members include UNEQ, ANEL, RAAV, AJIQ, FPQJ, SODEP, Quotidiens du Québec and Hebdos du Québec.

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For general media inquiries:

Robert Gilbert
Manager, Communications and Marketing
rgilbert@accesscopyright.ca