Industry committee  Yes, it has happened with a number of our members. I'm specifically referring to their Access Copyright payments.

Industry committee  They have reported that they have gone down significantly, in some cases as much as 50%. This is due to the fact that they are losing the copyright to their works. They are being asked to sign over the copyright to particular works, so they lose that copyright and can no longer claim that work.

Industry committee  Yes. Again, the author should be able to determine where and to whom the copyright goes and for what period of time.

Industry committee  Currently, it's 50 years after the death of the author. Most of my colleagues felt that was fair. I understand there is some consideration of going to 70 years, which would be acceptable as well.

Industry committee  I'm not saying that the writer can't sell the rights to the publisher should they wish to, or can't enter into any other kind of contract with their right. What I'm asking is to make sure that the right to do as they wish with their work remains with the creator.

Industry committee  Yes.

Industry committee  Yes.

Industry committee  Basically.

Industry committee  Yes. I wish I could say that this could be legislated, but I don't think it can be. The only thing is to make the copyright laws strong enough that the publisher wouldn't then think that they can ask for that right. I think the way it's written now is perhaps a little weaker, and that's why the publishers have looked at that and said, “Yes, we want all of these rights.”

Industry committee  Yes.

Industry committee  Yes, it does. I can only claim work to which I still own copyright, for my Access Copyright payment, for example. If the publisher has taken all of the copyright and the moral rights, then I no longer have the right to that material. Therefore, I cannot put it into my repertoire for my Access Copyright payment.

Industry committee  That's why I said that I think the contracts are beyond the scope of this committee, but the copyright laws could be strengthened so that publishers no longer can ask for those rights, that those rights remain with the author.

Industry committee  Good afternoon. Thank you for this opportunity to speak to you as you undertake this very important task. I am here on behalf of the Professional Writers Association of Canada, known as PWAC. Our organization represents more than 300 non-fiction writers from coast to coast to coast.