Copyright Act: A Century of Stories

Hosted by Farnell Morisset, this podcast explores the major transformations of this legislation and its impact on creation. Drawing on his legal expertise, Farnell reveals key moments through discussions with authors, artists and jurists.

^{Research and script: Farnell Morisset and Martin Landry
Editing and sound mixing: Studio Expression
Host: Farnell Morisset
Production and direction: Denis Martel}

<sup>Qanniuguma
Lyrics and music by Etulu Aningmiuq
Performed by Elisapie
Courtesy of Etulu Aningmiuq and Bonsound

This podcast was made possible thanks to the financial support of the Government of Canada and the Caisse de la Culture Desjardins.</sup>

The Resale Right: Towards Fairer Compensation for Canadian Visual Artists

In this episode, Farnell Morisset examines the reality of artists whose works are resold at high prices without them earning a cent. From historical scandals to Canadian realities, discover why the resale right remains a major issue and how it could finally be integrated into the Copyright Act.

Farnell speaks with:

April Britsky, Executive Director, Canadian Artists Representation/Front des artistes canadiens (CARFAC)
Camille Cazin, Executive Director, Regroupement des artistes en arts visuels du Québec

Amending the Copyright Act: An Unattainable Goal?

Farnell Morisset explores the political efforts undertaken since the York decision in 2021 to amend the Copyright Act. Between lobbying, power plays, and bureaucratic hurdles, discover why reforming this law is such a long and complex process.

Farnell speaks with:

Kate Edwards, Chief Executive Officer, Access Copyright

User Rights: A Controversial Evolution

Farnell Morisset examines how courts have shaped the interpretation of copyright law by developing the concept of “user rights”. What are the impacts on creators and the publishing industry? Is legislative clarification needed? A deep dive into a crucial copyright issue in Canada.

Farnell speaks with:

Ysolde Gendreau, Professor of Intellectual Property Law, Université de Montréal
Maryse Beaulieu, Legal and Public Affairs Advisor, Copibec

Episode 1: Copyright as an Instrument of Power

In this first episode, Farnell Morisset explores copyright from the angle of power, between protection and influence.

Farnell speaks with:

Ysolde Gendreau, Professor of Intellectual Property Law, Université de Montréal
Myra Tawfik, Professor Emeritus of Intellectual Property Law, University of Windsor
Christian Laforce, Executive Director, Copibec
Martha Langford, Professor of Art History, Concordia University
Madeleine Lamothe-Samson, Copyright Lawyer
Konrad Sioui, Former Grand Chief of Wendake
Val Napoleon, Professor of Indigenous Law, University of Victoria
Sakej Henderson, Advisor, Grand Council of the Mi’kmaq Nation

Episode 2: Copyright as the Guardian of Cultural Creation

In this second episode, Farnell Morisset delves into the crucial role of copyright in protecting and promoting culture.

Farnell speaks with:

Pierre-Emmanuel Moyse, Professor of Intellectual Property, McGill University
Gilles Herman, Former President, Copibec
Luc Martineau, Retired Federal Court Judge and former Chair of the Copyright Board of Canada
Alain Farah, Writer and Professor of French Literature, McGill University
Roanie Levy, Former CEO, Access Copyright
Karine Vachon, Executive Director, National Association of Book Publishers
Kate Edwards, CEO, Access Copyright

Episode 3: Copyright in the Face of Technological Revolutions

In this third episode, Farnell Morisset explores the influence of technological advances on Copyright Law, past and present.

Farnell speaks with:

Claude Brunet, Retired Lawyer, Copyright Law
Lisa Freeman, Executive Director, Canadian Private Copying Collective
Bill Skolnik, CEO and Executive Director, Screen Composers Guild of Canada
Céline Castets-Renard, Professor and Chairholder of the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Research Chair, University of Ottawa
Étienne Grenier, PhD Candidate, National Institute of Scientific Research (INRS)
Laura Boulet,  Executive Director, French Reproduction Rights Organization