Canada

As part of Harper's tough on crime policy, the federal government recently passed the Tackling Violent Crime Act, which amended the Criminal Code in various ways, including putting the onus on accused persons to prove their innocence, in a reverse of "innocent until proven guilty." While I have no problem about reducing violent crime, switching the burden over like this, especially onto parties which may not have the resources to compete with the Crown even when they are innocent, is very troubling.

According to Sault Ste. Marie News, Bell and Telus have a new plan in mind for text messaging. Are you a Bell Mobility or Telus Mobility client? Well, expect to start paying for incoming text messages, even if they're completely unsolicited. The charges gouging begins on August 8, and both providers are looking at a 15 cent charge — the same customers face for sending a message.

At 11:25 am today, Industry Minister Jim Prentice tabled Bill C-61, the draconian copyright act that would make things worse off here for ordinary Canadians than the DMCA did in the USA for Americans. And the plan is to have its second reading tomorrow.

Michael Geist reports that a Canadian DMCA might be on its way. Under the watchful eye of the American ambassador, the Conservative government's plan for this session of Parliament was revealed, including that they are to "improve the protection of cultural and intellectual property rights in Canada, including copyright reform."

Even Tycho at Penny Arcade is mentioning it – despite the Canadian dollar being (just barely) worth more than the American, we're still getting gouged with our consumer purchases.

Today marks the 140th anniversary of the formation of the independent nation we know as Canada (although we didn't gain real independence before 11 December 1931, or total independence before 17 April 1982).

In this the 140th anniversary of Canada's founding, in the 56th year of Her Majesty's reign, let us celebrate!