NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, October 24, 2023 — It looks like 2024 could be a pivotal year for the creative sector. At a critical point 100 years after the Copyright Act first came into effect, Quebec will be in the spotlight as it hosts the annual World Congress of the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations (IFRRO), which represents over 150 member organizations from more than 85 countries around the world.

“We’re proud to welcome IFRRO and the international copyright community to a major event that reflects the importance we place on creators’ rights. The focus will be on Quebec City from September 30 to October 3, 2024.”

—  Lise Létourneau, Copibec Chair of the Board

At this stage, the future of artificial intelligence (AI) is both a concern and an opportunity for copyright collectives everywhere. We’re watching AI’s development with a heightened awareness of how it will impact creative efforts. With that in mind, we’ll need to define how to live with it while making sure rights are protected.

It’s interesting to note that Canada’s largest AI event (ALL IN) recently included a cultural segment in its programming.

Moreover, now that the ministers of Canadian Heritage and Innovation, Science and Industry have launched a government consultation to look into the impacts of generative AI on copyright, this is an opportunity for Copibec to play a leading role and help define the future of copyright with its partners.

“I’m disappointed and worried, however, that the flaws in the Copyright Act have played a direct role since 2012 in weakening the Access Copyright collective in particular and Canada’s arts and culture sector in general.”

— Christian Laforce, Copibec Executive Director

The time has come for content creators to be celebrated and supported as essential pillars of our culture. It’s clear that 2024 should be the year that culture and creative rights are honoured through concrete action!