With two new appointments, Copyright Board of Canada fully staffed and ready for modernization

Board appointments will provide renewed efficiency and balanced approach

OTTAWA, Nov. 7, 2018 /CNW/ - The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, today announced the appointments of Katherine M. Braun and René Côté to the Copyright Board of Canada, filling the last vacancies on the Board.

The Government of Canada expects these and other recent appointments will bring a renewed efficiency and a balanced approach to serving the interests of both copyright owners and users of copyrighted material.

Ms. Braun is an economist whose career includes service with the United Nations working in collaboration with several international agencies on international development projects. She has also worked with the governments of Ontario and Alberta on public policy.

René Côté is a professor of Law at the Université du Québec à Montréal. He has a particular interest in law as it relates to technologies and has authored many publications in the fields of computer law, international law and intellectual property law.

The new board members assume their positions immediately for a term of four years. The Government of Canada's appointment process is based on openness and transparency to ensure that highly qualified candidates who reflect Canada's diversity are appointed, including equal gender representation.

Quotes

"With their extensive knowledge and experience, Katherine M. Braun and René Côté will help usher in a modernized Copyright Board of Canada. By modernizing the Board and completing its membership with these excellent candidates, we are providing better support for the Canadians who create content and use content, thereby improving Canada's position in the digital economy."
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"Our government is committed to supporting and encouraging creativity and innovation while allowing equitable treatment for artists and creators. We are therefore pleased with the appointment of Katherine M. Braun and René Côté, who, based on their experience and expertise, will provide an informed perspective on the important copyright issue in Canada."
– The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism

Quick facts

• The Copyright Board is an economic regulatory body that establishes copyright terms and conditions as well as royalties to be paid for the use of collectively managed copyrights. In 2016, $478 million in royalties was paid to rights holders pursuant to the Board's decisions.
• It is an independent, quasi-judicial tribunal that operates at arm's-length from the Government and reports to Parliament through the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
• The Government is taking comprehensive action to tackle delays at the Copyright Board through a 30% increase in financial resources, accompanied by legislative proposals and new appointments.

Associated links

• Government of Canada supports creativity and innovation in a digital economy
• Factsheet: Copyright Board Reform
• Nathalie Théberge appointed Vice-Chair and CEO of the Copyright Board of Canada

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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

For further information: Nilani Logeswaran, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, 343-291-2849, 613-668-1794; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [e-mail]

Related Links

http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/icgc.nsf/eng/home