20060106

politicians in highpark?

I have been reading a few posts/articles (copyrightwatch cbc star blog geist g&m ae witnm) about an incident - an MP candidate (Sarmite Bulte) in the Toronto High Park area has accepted a recording-industry (lobbyists) "donation" for her campaign. A large group of prominent recording industry heads (while their Cdn affiliates) are throwing a fund raiser for her campaign. She is the only one the recording industry gave a donation too. Bulte claims to "represent" the starving artists -- funny how her fundraiser costs $250 a plate -- expensive for many starting artists.

I think this might be old news but I have just gone back to school and haven't had much time to read.

If you don't feel as if this encompasses your democratic values email her at sam@sambulte.ca I just emailed her - wonder if she reads all the emails.

Just finished Lessig's book, "Free Culture" - a great read, highly recommended.


Update: I sent Ms. Bulte an email with some questions and I received this broad email in return (guessing this is the same thing she sends out to everyone as it didn't really answer any of my questions)

Dear Ms Moose:

I wish to acknowledge receipt of your recent correspondence regarding Copyright reform and my support of the Canadian cultural industries. I firmly believe that culture provides for a strong foundation in our lives and that Canadian culture is unique in its capacity to help define who we are as Canadians by sharing experiences with each other.

Copyright law is an essential instrument that protects the intellectual property and creativity of Canadians. Whether you are a new performer or someone with an international reputation, Canadian copyright law ensures that you will be compensated for your creative works. It also means that making unauthorized reproductions and computer hacking of copyrighted materials – like music, for example - is deemed illegal. Canada stands with other developed nations in its support and protection for intellectual creativity. Recent legislation tabled in the House of Commons by the Liberal government, Bill C-60, sought to bring Canada in line with other signatory countries of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Treaty on Copyright reform.

With regard to the fundraising event to be held on January 19, this event is being hosted, but not funded, by individuals who also happen to have professional lives separate from this event. The majority of people who will attend this event and purchase tickets will be from the riding of Parkdale-High Park and elsewhere throughout Toronto.

In 2004, the Liberal government brought in new election financing laws that restricted corporate donations to $1,000 per year. Since that time, funds that have come into my riding association have been made almost exclusively by individuals. In 2004, the last year of reported contributions, which are available at www.elections.ca and which include the election, I received a total of $88,738.75, only $9,200 of which – 10.3% - were made to me by cultural industries or corporations.

In short, as my contributions indicate, they are from individual Canadians for whom I work on a daily basis on their behalf in our Parliament.

In terms of my assistance for Canadian authors, composers, performers or producers, I will never waiver in my support for their hard work and dedication to our cultural fabric, and who help to enrich our lives and our society. Since 1993, the Liberal government has demonstrated its commitment to Canadian artists and will continue to do so in the future.

Yours truly,

Sam Bulte