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The private copying levy is an important source of income for songwriters, recording artists, music publishers and record companies. And this income is in jeopardy. The Copyright Act is out of date. Last revised in 1997, it specifies that the private copying levy, which provides compensation to rights holders when Canadians make copies of their music for personal use, only applies to blank audio recording media, like CD-Rs. It's 2012 ... who uses CD-Rs to copy music anymore? MP3 players like the iPod have become the new standard for copying music. It is imperative that the Copyright Act be updated to reflect the reality of private copying in the digital age. Otherwise, the funds distributed annually to music rights holders through the private copying levy will quickly disappear. In an effort to bring the Act up to date, on September 29, 2011 the Government of Canada proposed Bill C-11, the Copyright Modernization Act.

Unfortunately, the bill does not modernize the private copying regime by extending the private copying levy to MP3 players. In fact, the format shifting provisions proposed in Bill C-11 will allow individuals to copy music onto devices without providing compensation to creators. A copy is a copy and the principle of fair compensation for rights holders should apply whether the copy is made onto CD-Rs or MP3 players. The CPCC will continue to advocate on your behalf for fair compensation for private copies made of your music. Members of Parliament Need to Hear From You Also! The annual amount available for distribution to rights holders has dropped from $27.6 million in 2008 to an estimated $8.8 million in 2011 – a 68% reduction. With the levy dropping at an alarming rate it is important to stress to Parliamentarians how much music rights holders rely on revenue from the private copying levy. Use this site to vocalize what the private copying levy means to you and your career. Visit the TAKE ACTION page and send a letter to your MP. Tell them to be fair and extend the same consideration they have shown to consumers by protecting your interests as well. An amendment to the existing Copyright Act is needed to ensure that you continue to receive compensation when private copies are made of your music. Create a video or post a testimonial about the private copying levy and what it means to your career. Act Now - Help and Save the Levy!