The Copyright Act is important legislation for songwriters, recording artists, publishers and record companies. The Act sets the rules around the copying and use of music and how the rights holders who create it are paid for their work.

The last time this legislation was updated was in 1997. Some significant changes were made at that time, especially with respect to private copying of music.

Did you ever make mixed tapes of your favourite songs? Prior to 1997, that was against the law, even though every stereo system was designed to do it. But the '97 reforms addressed that issue in two ways: first, it permitted making copies of music for private use. And second, it entrenched in law the fact that private copies have a tangible value, and provided compensation to the creators of the music through the private copying levy. The levy applied to blank media like audio cassettes, CD-Rs and Mini-Discs, which were the popular technologies of the day used to copy music. Today, the levy only applies to CD-Rs.

Since then, more than $200 million has been paid to songwriters, composers, recording artists and other rights holders for the copies made of their music, many of whom would not be able to continue their careers without this revenue. This is an important source of earned income for music creators — one of the ways they can make a living from the music they create.

Today, technology is dramatically different. MP3 players like the iPod are the new standard for making copies of music. The Canadian government has made many attempts to modernize the Copyright Act, introducing bills that ultimately died on the Order Paper before they were ever passed into legislation. The most recent, Bill C-32, the proposed Copyright Modernization Act, did not treat MP3 players the same as CD-Rs. Bill C-32 did not extend the private copying levy to MP3 players. Instead, the format shifting provisions proposed in Bill C-32 would have allowed individuals to copy music onto digital devices without providing compensation to creators.

It is 2011, and we have elected a new government.  Amending the outdated Copyright Act must be a priority for this new government. If music rights holders are going to continue to be able to make a living from the music they create, they need copyright legislation which is designed to reflect the technologies people are using now, and which is also flexible enough to accommodate future changes. Rights holders need measures to properly protect their work, and to ensure that they receive fair compensation for the copies made of their music.  Without the needed changes, many songwriters and artists won't be able to afford to continue to create music at all.

Music rights holders deserve legislation that will let them continue to have their livelihoods amid the technological realities of the 21st century.  While the government has acknowledged over the years, the value of cultural creativity and innovation, so far, they have been unwilling to make the necessary changes to the Copyright Act that would allow music rights holders to be fairly compensated for copies made of their music for private use.

But it is not too late! You have the opportunity to let newly elected MPs know where you stand on this issue. Your voice can make a difference. Act now. Lend your voice to help save the levy. Share your story about how important private copying revenue is to you and your career. Read up on the issue and sign up for email alerts regarding important action you can take to help SAVE THE LEVY!