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House Bill

Bill C-244

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
May 09, 2024
An Act to amend the Copyright Act (diagnosis, maintenance and repair)
  • This bill, known as Bill C-244, aims to amend the Copyright Act in Canada. It allows for the circumvention of technological protection measures in computer programs if it is solely for the purpose of diagnosing, maintaining, or repairing a product in which the program is embedded. It also permits the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, renting, and provision of technologies, devices, or components used for the diagnosis, maintenance, or repair of such products. Essentially, this bill allows for easier access to computer programs for the purpose of fixing or maintaining the products they are a part of.
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  • Yea (342)
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • One steelman argument in favor of this bill is that it promotes consumer rights and ensures access to timely and affordable repairs for electronic products. By allowing individuals to circumvent technological protection measures in computer programs for the sole purpose of diagnosis, maintenance, or repair, it empowers consumers to address hardware and software issues without being dependent on manufacturers or authorized service providers. This promotes a more competitive and open repair market, allowing third-party repair technicians and small businesses to provide services and offer more affordable options. Additionally, this bill recognizes the importance of the right to repair movement, which advocates for individuals' ability to repair and modify their own devices, reducing waste and extending the lifespan of products. By enabling the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, renting, and provision of technologies, devices, or

SteelmanSpren Against

  • One possible steelman argument opposing this amendment to the Copyright Act is that it undermines the ability of copyright owners to protect their intellectual property and potentially jeopardizes their profitability. Technological protection measures (TPMs) are implemented by copyright owners to control access to their works, including computer programs. These measures are essential for preventing unauthorized access, copying, or modification of copyrighted material. By allowing the circumvention of TPMs for the purpose of diagnosis, maintenance, or repair, this amendment could enable widespread unauthorized access and use of copyrighted material. The amendment may also lead to a decrease in innovation and investment in creating new works. Copyright owners rely on the exclusive rights granted to them by copyright law to monetize their creations. By allowing the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, renting, and provision of te
Senate Third Reading
  • May 9, 2024, 2 p.m.
  • In Progress
  • Read
Senate Second Reading
  • Oct. 19, 2023, 2 p.m.
  • Passed
Senate First Reading
  • Oct. 19, 2023, 2 p.m.
  • Passed

House Motion No. 342

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
May 31, 2023, 3:45 p.m.
Concurrence at report stage of Bill C-244, An Act to amend the Copyright Act (diagnosis, maintenance and repair)

House Committee

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
March 29, 2023
Standing Committee on Industry, Natural Resources, Science and Technology (INDU)
Re. Bill C-244, An Act to amend the Copyright Act (diagnosis, maintenance and repair)
  • Report 11 presented to the House
  • In accordance with its Order of Reference of Wednesday, October 5, 2022, your Committee has considered Bill C-244, An Act to amend the Copyright Act (diagnosis, maintenance and repair), and agreed on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, to report it with the following amendment:

    Clause 2

    That Bill C-244, in Clause 2, be amended by replacing line 24 on page 1 to line 11 on page 2 with the following:

    “41.121 (1) Paragraph 41.1(1)(a) does not apply to a person who circumvents a technological protection measure for the sole purpose of maintaining or repairing a product, including any related diagnosing, if the work, performer’s performance fixed in a sound recording or sound recording to which the technological protection measure controls access forms a part of the product.

    (2) For greater certainty, subsection (1) applies to a person who circumvents a technological protection measure in the circumstances referred to in that subsection for another person.

    (3) A person acting in the circumstances referred to in subsection (1) is not entitled to benefit from the exception under that subsection if the person does an act that constitutes an infringement of copyright.”

    Your Committee has ordered a reprint of Bill C-244, as amended, as a working copy for the use of the House of Commons at the report stage.
    A copy of the relevant Minutes of Proceedings (Meetings Nos. 42, 43, 49, 57, 59, 60 and 63) is tabled.
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  • Hear!
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House Committee

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
March 08, 2023
Standing Committee on Industry, Natural Resources, Science and Technology (INDU)
Re. Bill C-244, An Act to amend the Copyright Act (diagnosis, maintenance and repair)
  • Report 9 concurred in by the House
  • Pursuant to Standing Order 97.1, your committee is requesting an extension of thirty sitting days to consider Bill C-244, An Act to amend the Copyright Act (diagnosis, maintenance and repair), referred to the committee on Wednesday, November 30, 2022.
    The committee members agreed to seek more clarification from senior officials with regard to the provisions of the bill and its impact on international trade. Therefore, your Committee requests an extension of thirty sitting days.
    A copy of the relevant Minutes of Proceedings (Meeting No. 60) is tabled.
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
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House Committee

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
March 06, 2023
Standing Committee on Industry, Natural Resources, Science and Technology (INDU)
Re. Bill C-244, An Act to amend the Copyright Act (diagnosis, maintenance and repair)
  • Report 9 presented to the House
  • Pursuant to Standing Order 97.1, your committee is requesting an extension of thirty sitting days to consider Bill C-244, An Act to amend the Copyright Act (diagnosis, maintenance and repair), referred to the committee on Wednesday, November 30, 2022.
    The committee members agreed to seek more clarification from senior officials with regard to the provisions of the bill and its impact on international trade. Therefore, your Committee requests an extension of thirty sitting days.
    A copy of the relevant Minutes of Proceedings (Meeting No. 60) is tabled.
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
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House Committee

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
February 08, 2023
Standing Committee on Industry, Natural Resources, Science and Technology (INDU)
Re. Bill C-244, An Act to amend the Copyright Act (diagnosis, maintenance and repair)
  • Wed Feb 08, 2023 04:37 - 06:35PM
  • Transcript not yet availabe
  • Watch
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
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House Committee

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
December 05, 2022
Standing Committee on Industry, Natural Resources, Science and Technology (INDU)
Re. Bill C-244, An Act to amend the Copyright Act (diagnosis, maintenance and repair)
  • Mon Dec 05, 2022 11:02 - 01:05PM
  • Transcript not yet availabe
  • Watch
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
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  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
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