TORONTO, ON (September 29, 2011) The Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) welcomes the introduction of the federal government’s new Copyright Modernization Act today, and looks forward to its passage for the benefit of the nation’s independent music sector.
CIMA members have long awaited a new Copyright Act, one that will serve to protect the integrity and ownership of the music they create, while at the same time ensuring their ability to be fairly remunerated for their craft.
While the legislation formerly known as Bill C-32, An act to amend the Copyright Act, contains some flaws and shortcomings, CIMA is hopeful and optimistic that the legislative process for the new act will provide an opportunity for the government to address CIMA’s concerns.
“The government should be congratulated for reintroducing this bill so quickly,” says Stuart Johnston, President of CIMA. “Our members are encouraged by the government’s commitment, and we look forward to working with the government to help smooth out the wrinkles in the legislation. The bottom line is Canada needs this new copyright act to protect the intellectual property of our artists and the music industry businesses that represent them.”
In the last session of Parliament, CIMA offered the government several proposed amendments, most of which were technical in nature, in order to help the government clarify the stated intent of a new Copyright Act.
CIMA is the collective voice of the English language, Canadian-owned independent sector of the Canadian sound recording industry, with a mandate to secure and develop a strong and economically stable domestic music industry. CIMA has a membership of approximately 180 companies from coast to coast in Canada, representing nearly every facet of the music business.
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For more information, contact
Stuart Johnston
President
(416) 485-3152, ext., 232
stuart@cimamusic.ca