Mr. Speaker, I know that the business of the opposition is to try to provoke as much worry as possible in Canadians all across the country. I would like to read for the member a few things that have been said about this bill which will allay not only his worries as he professes them, but the worries of Canadians all across the country.
I will begin with one of my favourite artists, Loreena McKennitt. She is an artist and creator of great renown around the world. As written in the Stratford Beacon Herald, she said that the changes proposed in the government's copyright bill are “fair and reasonable”.
The Canadian Photographers Coalition, creators of great intellectual works, welcomes the government's copyright reform legislation. It said:
These amendments should allow Canadian small business photographers the opportunity to generate additional revenues for their commercial work.
Perhaps my friend would be less worried if he knew that the Canadian Intellectual Property Council said:
We applaud and fully support the government's efforts to update Canada's copyright regime.
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees said, “We congratulate the government” for protecting “our creative industries and men and women working in film and television production across Canada.”
I could go on. I hope that will allay some of my hon. colleague's worries.