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Who are James Moore's "Radical Extremists"?

By Michael Geist

Canadian Heritage Minister James Moore delivered a keynote address at a conference sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce's IP Council today and according to media reports warned against "radical extremists" seeking to oppose Bill C-32.  It should be obvious to virtually everyone that labeling those that seek reforms to a copyright bill as "radical extremists" is an embarrassing slander that should be promptly retracted.  While there are undoubtedly some that oppose the bill altogether (just as there are some that want tougher reforms including three strikes), characterizing those concerned with a copyright bill in this manner is wholly inappropriate for a cabinet minister.

So when Moore warns about radical extremists opposing C-32, who is he speaking of?  Who has criticized parts of the bill or called for reforms? A short list of those critical of the digital lock provisions in C-32 would include:

• Liberal MPs
• NDP MPs
• Bloc MPs
• Green Party
• Canadian Consumer Initiative
• Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada
• Canadian Association of University Teachers
• Canadian Federation of Students
• Canadian Library Association
  
• Business Coalition for Balanced Copyright
• Retail Council of Canada
• Canadian Bookseller Association
  
• Documentary Organization of Canada

Of course, criticism of C-32 is not limited to the digital lock provisions with groups such as ACTRA, Writers' Union, Access Copyright, and the Canadian Conference of the Arts among those criticizing fair dealing or other elements of the bill.  Moreover, at the event Moore was speaking at, an entertainment industry representative from Vivendi criticized the notice-and-notice approach in C-32.

In other words, all opposition parties, consumers, universities, teachers, students, business, and many creator groups are all seeking changes to C-32.  Does Moore really believe that they are all radical extremists? Who is he referring to?

Full post as published by Michael Geist on June 22, 2010 (boomark / email).