Canadian Heritage committee  Well, we like to dream. First of all, we do need copyright to move forward, period. Let's get it moving. If there's one message, it's that we really need a new copyright bill. We need to ratify and implement the WIPO treaties. I agree with what you're saying about digital locks

Canadian Heritage committee  In this particular issue, we certainly expect that the broadcasters will have to make fair deals with the producers. Then it's up to us to ensure that money flows back to creators.

Canadian Heritage committee  Just to clarify the question, is it whether the same rules the performance artists have apply? Is that the question?

Canadian Heritage committee  It's absolutely two different forms of content, Madame Lavallée. You're absolutely right. What we're talking about is content created by professionals. These are not kids creating in their bedrooms or downstairs. That definitely has a place, and it's entertainment. But what we'r

Canadian Heritage committee  Okay. The Writers Guild of America did go out on strike approximately two years ago over compensation for digital production. However, their system is quite a bit different. They were really looking for expansions to their collective agreement. They were looking to ensure that th

Canadian Heritage committee  That is correct.

Canadian Heritage committee  It's not too general, but I guess to clarify a little bit, what we're really looking for are amendments to the Copyright Act. Those have to be made first in order to extend the private copying regime for artists of audio-visual works. We need to amend the Copyright Act to ensure

Canadian Heritage committee  That's a very good question. That, unfortunately, has an even different answer. Those rights--

Canadian Heritage committee  Good morning, members of the heritage committee. My name is Maureen Parker and I'm the executive director of the Writers Guild of Canada. Also with me today is Kelly Lynne Ashton, WGC director of policy. The WGC welcomes this opportunity to appear before the Standing Committee

Industry committee  I'm not really sure what to add other than to say, you know what? We're not afraid to compete. We compete every day in a very hard business. There's nothing harder than working in a creative industry where you don't often get paid and there's very little appreciation. So just to

Industry committee  I'd like to answer Mr. Cardin's question about whether it will affect our cultural sovereignty. Just to touch on the theme that I think you're hearing a lot of us discuss, it's the integration of these businesses. That is new. That has greatly changed over the last three years.

Industry committee  I think the government is right to be concerned about those issues, access and speed and cost. Those are things to be concerned about. That's why we are recommending yet another study. I know you think, “Yet another study”, but we really are in the midst of a digital revolution.

Industry committee  Thank you. Good morning, members of the industry committee. My name is Maureen Parker, and I'm the executive director of the Writers Guild of Canada. Sitting next to me is Rebecca Schechter, president of the Writers Guild and professional screenwriter. The Writers Guild welcomes

Canadian Heritage committee  I think, really, the answer to your question whether drama is expensive to produce is yes, it is. It's expensive all over the world. It's the most expensive form of programming. Do Canadian broadcasters have to put up a licence fee? Yes, they do. Usually it's about 35%, because t

Canadian Heritage committee  No, I don't think that. I think they chose to focus on local programming, because that's where they would attract the most attention. They know that's what viewers care about most, their local news and local programming. I think it was a very strategic decision. Are they hurtin