This bill has received Royal Assent and is now law.
Summary
This is from the published bill.
This enactment amends the Copyright Act to allow a person, in certain circumstances, to circumvent a technological protection measure to make a computer program or a device in which it is embedded interoperable with any other computer program, device or component.
Elsewhere
All sorts of information on this bill is available at LEGISinfo, an excellent resource from Parliament. You can also read the full text of the bill.
Bill numbers are reused for different bills each new session. Perhaps you were looking for one of these other C-294s:
C-294 (2021)
An Act to amend the Telecommunications Act (suicide prevention)
C-294 (2016)
An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (cessation of refugee protection)
C-294 (2013)
An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code (illness or injury)
C-294 (2011)
An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code (illness or injury)
Votes
June 14, 2023Passed 3rd reading and adoption of Bill C-294, An Act to amend the Copyright Act (interoperability)
June 14, 2023Passed Bill C-294, An Act to amend the Copyright Act (interoperability) (previous question)
Nov. 30, 2022Passed 2nd reading of Bill C-294, An Act to amend the Copyright Act (interoperability)
This is a computer-generated summary of the speeches below.
Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Bill C-294 seeks to amend the Copyright Act to allow individuals, under specific conditions, to bypass technological protection measures (TPMs) in order to achieve interoperability between computer programs, devices, or components. The aim is to modernize copyright policy in light of evolving digital technologies, fostering innovation, competition, and consumer choice by enabling the use of compatible products and services, while respecting international trade agreements and protecting against copyright infringement. The bill intends to address issues such as planned obsolescence and restrictions on repair or modification of lawfully acquired devices, particularly in sectors like agriculture and technology.
Conservative
Supports interoperability: The Conservatives support amending the Copyright Act to allow consumers to bypass technological protection measures (TPMs) to achieve interoperability between devices, promoting competition and innovation.
Benefits for farmers: The Conservatives believe the bill addresses the challenges farmers face with digital locks on machinery that restrict repairs and interoperability, forcing them to use authorized dealers and limiting their choices.
Broader economic benefits: The Conservatives argue that interoperability extends beyond agriculture. The bill would broaden the scope of the Copyright Act to include computer programs and embedded devices, fostering competition and innovation across various sectors.
Modernizing copyright law: Conservatives believe the bill modernizes copyright policy by addressing technological protection measures to facilitate adaptation of lawfully acquired devices for non-infringing purposes.
NDP
Supports the bill: The NDP supports Bill C-294 to amend the Copyright Act regarding interoperability, specifically technological protection measures (TPMs). These measures can be used anti-competitively via a loophole to prevent devices from connecting to each other.
Benefits for agriculture: The bill is expected to benefit the agricultural community by addressing inefficiencies and stress caused by TPMs. This can reduce the pressure on services, especially in remote areas, and ensure equipment operates in prime condition.
Time is of the essence: The NDP believes the bill should be passed quickly due to increasing complexities in dealing with TPMs, artificial intelligence, and other electronic communication issues. The member encourages the Senate to review and pass the bill before the end of the session.
Bloc
Supports interoperability bill: The Bloc Québécois supports Bill C-294, which aims to protect consumer rights and encourage innovation by allowing consumers to use legally purchased products and services with others, even if produced by different companies.
Addressing closed ecosystems: The bill seeks to address situations where consumers are stuck in closed ecosystems, such as farmers unable to connect machinery from different manufacturers due to technological restrictions.
Strengthening consumer rights: The bill aims to strengthen consumer rights by allowing them to freely choose products and services without being limited by digital locks, potentially encouraging companies to offer higher quality products and services.
Complements Quebec's efforts: The bill complements Quebec's efforts to protect consumers by ensuring that owners of operating systems cannot use the Copyright Act to block consumer rights, counteracting the province's initiatives.
Liberal
Supports consumer rights: The Liberal party supports legislative and budgetary actions to aid consumers. The party views Bill C-294 as a positive step towards achieving this goal.
Interoperability is key: The Copyright Act currently presents obstacles to Canadians wanting to make software-enabled products interoperable. Bill C-294 seeks to address this by expanding exceptions in the Copyright Act, allowing circumvention of digital locks to achieve interoperability between devices and components.
Balancing interests: Bill C-294 rebalances the interests of consumers and creators by providing consumers more control over products they own while preserving creator incentives in the Copyright Act. It does not facilitate copyright infringement, as protection for digital locks and copyright infringement are distinct regimes.
Supports right to repair: Bill C-294 aligns with the government's commitment to provide Canadians with a right to repair. It does so by encouraging prolonging product lifecycles and by supporting innovation for small and medium-sized enterprises.
It being 3:18 p.m., pursuant to order made Thursday, June 23, 2022, the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion that this question be now put.
Call in the members.
Links & Sharing
(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)
