Mr. Speaker, in 1996, Canada signed the WIPO treaties in order to join the intellectual property movement to protect Canada's copyright holders across this country. Pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), I am very pleased and honoured to table, in both official languages, treaties entitled the World Intellectual Property Organization Copyright Treaty, done in Geneva on December 20, 1996; and the World Intellectual Property Organization Performances and Phonograms Treaty, done at Geneva on December 20, 1996.
There is an explanatory memorandum included with each treaty. I know that those who have fought long and hard to ensure that Canada's copyright holders have their protection in law are very pleased, because today is a very important day. Canada has now finally implemented the WIPO treaties that were signed in 1996. It is a great day for Canadian creators.