Blogger Posts Riding Data, Eases Access to MPs

When we first looked into building a tool to help people write to their MPs, it seemed like a relatively straightforward task. And from a technical standpoint, it was. All you have to do is match a person's postal code to an electoral riding, then slap some code on the front to make it pretty. But the data that links postal codes to electoral ridings is only available from Statistics Canada, and they charge thousands of dollars to those who want to use it.

We wondered why should people have to pay for uncopyrighted -- even *uncopyrightable* -- data about who belongs in which electoral riding. That information has enormous value to the public, which could use tools built by non-governmental organizations to easily contact their MPs about important issues.

Apparently, Quebec blogger danieljohn felt the same way, and he has posted the whole database online. We hope that Stats Canada will take his cue and post their own copy of the data for everyone to use.

Support Balanced Copyright Reform

During the last Parliament, Bill C-60 provided some sensible approaches to copyright reform in Canada, but it also left room for improvement. Rumours from Ottawa indicate that copyright reform is being discussed heavily at the moment, and that new legislation could be out within weeks. It's vital that you tell your MP that any new legislation should be an improvement on Bill C-60, not the retreat being urged by big copyright holders. Use our new mail-your-MP tool to send a letter today!

Can't afford the Copyright Cartel's big banquet? Join Online Rights Canada for a Balanced Meal instead.

On January 19th, the Copyright Lobby is putting on a fancy banquet to generate political donations for a friendly MP. They might be doing it because they're nice, or perhaps they're feeling generous because of the influence they expect to gain once the night is over. But no matter what their motivations, the event presents a startling picture: copyright interests contributing thousands of dollars to a politician who sets policy for their industry.

Keep Big Content's Money Out of Canadian Copyright Policy

With the fall of the 38th Parliament, Bill C-60, An Act to Amend the Copyright Act, died on the order table. However, the election has not sidelined the copyright debate – far from it. Copyright policy – and its unfortunate ties to campaign financing – has become a hot election issue. OnlineRights.ca has launched a petition calling on politicians to swear off Big Content's lobbying money, and we've also posted some background on the story and some offline ways for you to get involved.

Online Rights Canada Launches with EFF, CIPPIC Support

Online Rights Canada (ORC) launched in Canada Friday, giving Canadians a new voice in critical technology and information policy issues. The grassroots organization is jointly supported by the Canadian Internet Policy & Public Interest Clinic (CIPPIC) and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF).