Media Alert - News conference at Juno Awards - Artists & Songwriters call on
Ottawa to save private copying levy

ST. JOHN'S, April 14 /CNW/ - A number of Canadian recording artists and songwriters will hold a news conference at the site of the Juno Awards in St. John's this weekend, calling on the federal government to act to save the private copying levy. Several others will provide video messages.

Since it was established in 1999, the private copying levy has generated more than $180 million for music creators, but it is now in jeopardy as a result of changing technology and out-dated copyright legislation.

Also participating will be Charlie Angus, Member of Parliament for Timmins James Bay, who recently put forward a bill in the House of Commons which would amend the Copyright Act to save the private copying levy and ensure that Canadian artists will continue to be compensated for private copying of their music.

    
    DATE:        Saturday, April 17th

    TIME:        3:30 PM (Newfoundland Time)

    LOCATION:    Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland - SALON C
                 115 Cavendish Square
                 St. John's, Newfoundland

    PARTICPANTS: Rex Goudie - Songwriter and Performer
                 Eva Avila - Songwriter and Performer
                 Marie Denise Pelletier - Songwriter and Performer
                 Charlie Angus - MP for Timmins James Bay
                 Annie Morin - Chair, Canadian Private Copying Collective
    

For further information: Media contacts: In Toronto: Bob Reid, [phone], [email protected]; In St. John's: Alison Thompson, [phone] (cell)