01706nas a2200121   4500008004100000022001400041245005600055210005400111260004200165520131800207100002301525856003601548       2007                        eng d  a1913-610200aA Rallying Moment for Canadian Open Source Software0 aRallying Moment for Canadian Open Source Software  aOttawabTalent First Networkc12/20073 aIn the Canadian copyright reform arena, the events of early December, 2007 changed everything.

In late November, it was widely anticipated that new copyright legislation would be introduced in the model of the controversial American Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). The bill was rumored to include harsh anti-circumvention laws, which grant software distributors the right to seek legal remedies for circumvention of technological locks on content. In response, veteran Canadian copyright advocates issued an appeal to Canadians to take an interest in the bill and to call for fair and balanced copyright. 

Canadian citizens answered that call in unexpected numbers, both online and offline. A Facebook group, called Fair Copyright for Canadians, grew to over 25,000 members within two weeks, and provided grassroots advocacy tools to citizens. A new website, called CopyrightforCanadians.ca, established itself as a centre for news on the bill and consumer advocacy. Using these tools, Canadians wrote letters, met with politicians, and demanded balance.  With their words and their actions, not only did Canadians delay the introduction of the bill until next year, but they put copyright in the spotlight and showed legislators that fair and balanced copyright can capture the public imagination.1 aKaplan-Myrth, Andy  uhttp://timreview.ca/article/104