#DigiCanCon summary report released by Canadian Heritage

Thursday, April 6, 2017

The Department of Canadian Heritage has released a summary report, prepared by Ipsos-Reid, of last fall’s nation-wide #DigiCanCon consultation.

The report echoes many of the concerns expressed by the thousands of Canadian writers, visual artists, publishers, musicians, filmmakers and others who took part. Highlighted in particiular are the need to increase promotion of Canada’s cultural sector, ensure Canadian creators have the opportunity to make a sustainable living from their work and boost cultural funding.

The report also includes excerpts of several of the over 100 stories Canadian writers and publishers shared (check out pages 22, 39 & 40) that reflect the important role Canadian creators and publishers play in bringing content with a uniquely Canadian voice to market. The impact of the addition of “education” as a fair-dealing purpose in the Copyright Act in 2012, and the education sector’s broad interpretation of fair dealing on creators and publishers are also referenced in the report.

Canadian Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly affirmed her commitment to Canada's cultural community in an interview with Matt Galloway on CBC's Metro Morning on Friday, March 3. 

Minister Joly has stated she plans to review the summary and announce the next steps in the Canadian culture review in the coming months.