The bill is critically important. I know that members of the opposition have a wide range of views on how it should proceed, but let me say to them that copyright is one of the most polarized issues this country faces. This is one of the most ideological issues it's faced.
I spent close to half a decade on the last round of copyright reform actually representing the creative side, because there were important gains that needed to be made in that round. This time, I think this bill has done a very good job of getting the balance right, and it's important, because....
I mean, it took 25 years for Canada to come to terms with the photocopier. Are we going to take 25 years to come to terms with the digital age when there are so many educational opportunities that are there, when there are so many challenges that are before Canadian students? We have to make sure our students are the best-equipped, the best-taught students in the world, and this legislation will help us do it. We have to have clarity.
I wouldn't want to be the next minister of international trade going to talk about international trade if this copyright legislation is not passed. I know the committee has been hearing a number of witnesses, and there are many more who would like to appear, but in essence, I think this is the best piece of legislation, the best effort we've seen, in a number of years, and we need to move forward.