That's fine. I'll be very quick.
The third amendment RACS is seeking has to do with bringing interpretive scope to the numerous exceptions that are proposed by the bill. We are specifically proposing that the language of the Berne three-step test be added into part III of the act as an interpretive provision.
Making such a technical amendment won't change the substance of the exceptions proposed by the bill. It also won't detract from the government's desire to have a made-in-Canada piece of legislation. What it will do is make clear that Canadian courts are to restrict their interpretation of exceptions to certain special cases that do not conflict with the normal exploitation of the work or other subject matter, and do not unreasonably prejudice the legitimate interests of the author, performer, or maker.
Many of our trading partners have this interpretive language in their own copyright legislation. It provides users and creators with greater clarity according to an internationally accepted benchmark. By including the Berne three-step test as an interpretive provision in the Copyright Act, we'll move closer to harmonizing our copyright laws with many of our trading partners', while avoiding unintended damage to creators.
To quote the preamble of the bill:
...copyright protection is enhanced when countries adopt coordinated approaches, based on internationally recognized norms....