Canadian Heritage Committee on Feb. 26th, 2020

[Steven Guilbeault, Liberal, Laurier—Sainte-Marie, QC]

Ms. Laurendeau would like to add something.

[Hélène Laurendeau]

Although this was not specifically mentioned, when we get to work on the issues of broadcasting and the funding that will be reintroduced, the entire policy for the audiovisual area will probably be examined. That would include the NFB, Téléfilm, and other entities of that nature. It’s not necessarily about reviewing their mandate, but it will be part of the things we re-examine, you might say.

[Alexandre Boulerice, NDP, Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, QC]

The interpretation of a provision in the Copyright Act is creating a problem. I believe it is section 12. It provides that Canadian publishers are not paid for their books when they are used in the education system, in colleges and universities. In Quebec, the interpretation is different and publishers are paid, whereas in the rest of Canada, there seems to be a problem. The situation is harming our Canadian publishers and authors.

Can you commit to reviewing that legislation so that the interpretation is no longer a problem?

[Steven Guilbeault, Liberal, Laurier—Sainte-Marie, QC]

As I am an author myself, the copyright issue affects me specifically and it is a subject that I know a lot about. If I recall correctly, the problem was identified in one of your committee’s recommendations in the 42nd Parliament. You understand that I only have one hand on the steering wheel; the other hand belongs to my colleague Mr. Bains. It is a matter on which we have to work together, and we will do so.

[The Chair, Liberal, Scott Simms]

Thank you, everyone.

That concludes our hearing today.

I want to thank Madame Laurendeau, Monsieur Piché and also, of course, Minister Guilbeault.

Colleagues, we're going into committee business, which is in camera.

We're going to suspend for just a few minutes.

[Proceedings continue in camera]