Canada's New Government Amends the Criminal Code to Stop Film Piracy

Canada's New Government is amending the Criminal Code in order to deter the unauthorized recording of movies-camcording-in movie theatres in Canada.

"Canada's New Government is taking action to curb film piracy by bringing forward amendments to the Criminal Code of Canada. Piracy and mass copying of films has had a significant and direct impact on the entire film industry, including producers, directors, actors and creators," said the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women. "The Government is acting to increase protection for their works."

"The amendments to the Criminal Code will make it possible to more effectively combat illegal copying of films," said the Honourable Robert Douglas Nicholson, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. "Canada is thus taking its place among the countries that have adopted legislation on this activity, making it a criminal offence."

"The existing situation is untenable for the film industry," said the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry. "The Government is taking note and correcting the situation. Canada is therefore ensuring that our laws protect the legitimate film industry and continue to be relevant in a fast-changing technological environment. In these circumstances, Canada's New Government is taking the measures needed to facilitate film distribution and to support the development of this industry in Canada."

Canada's New Government has introduced today an Act to amend the Criminal Code (unauthorized recording of a motion picture) to directly confront the problem of film piracy. It will amend the Criminal Code to create two offences: the recording of a movie in a movie theatre without the consent of the theatre manager; and the recording of a movie in a movie theatre without the consent of the theatre manager for the purpose of selling, renting, or other commercial distribution of a copy of the recorded movie. It will also provide the court with the authority to order the forfeiture of anything used in the commission of these offences. An online version of the legislation will soon be available at www.parl.gc.ca .

This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Media Room.

Contacts: Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women Veronique Bruneau Press Secretary 819-997-7788 Canadian Heritage Donald Boulanger A/Chief, Media Relations 819-994-9101