Fair Copyright for Canada rally in Calgary (Video Questions for Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry)

It is unfortunate that Jim Prentice, federal Minister of Industry, seems to have all the time in the world to answer questions and concerns from the US Ambassador, CEOs of large companies, and industry lobby groups like the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America). But don’t have the time to answer the questions raised by regular Canadians and even Calgarians in his own riding.Jim, in case you change your mind and want to listen to Canadians and answer their concerns (as oppose to American concerns), here is a link to many questions and comments raised by concerned Calgarians about the soon-to-be-tabled Copyright Bill. And please don’t insult these Canadians that we haven’t seen the bill and can ask an intellegent question based on legitimate concerns.

I would like to spotlight four questions in this post here.

Here is a question from Corey who drove all the way down from Edmonton just so that he could voice his opinion. Jim, you never answered Corey’s question, so here you have it. Hey Corey, I really admire your commitment to Fair Copyright for Canada! If we have more concerned citizens like you, we will be unstoppable. Ultimately, it is concerned individual citizens like you, me, and all the others that showed up yesterday that will do some good for Canada. Trust me, I may seem committed, but I would *not* have driven from Edmonton to the rally yesterday if I were living in Edmonton! And for your effort, I will cheer for the the Oilers next time they are in town, well, OK for the first period anyway. (smile)

Here is a question from a gentleman who bought his two children to the rally yesterday.

Here is a question from a lady who were there with her husband and you didn’t answer their questions and concerns as well.

And after watching this gentleman’s question, it makes me wander how many Canadians do you want to turn into “criminals”? If that will be the effect of the new bill, then is it “a good thing” (as Martha may say)? Well, she has the experience, I suppose. (smile)

Hey Jim, and here is this long comments and questions from a gentleman who asked you questions in French (one of Canada’s official language) previously and he never got a reply from you. But more importantly, he has personal and painful experience in receiving the most dreaded DMCA take down notice that force a “take down” of a filmmaker interview that he took time to conduct and edit. And as a small filmmaker, he had no resource to fight the powerful Viacom (which desires and wishes have probably been well represented by their lobby group). Jim, was this fair to this independent filmmaker? Will the new proposed bill be misused to generate “take down” notices by large companies?