However, the same bill sees a significant raise in fines aimed at those caught breaking DRM – the digital locks keeping files tied to a certain medium: the maximum fine goes up to $20,000. As for those caught making, selling or distributing technology designed to circumvent DRM protections, they’re looking forward to criminal charges.
"It’s a win-win approach because we’re ensuring that Canadians can use digital technologies at home with their families, at work, or for educational and research purposes, " said Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry. "We are also providing new rights and protections for Canadians who create the content and who want to better secure their work online."
Basically, the bill reads that it’s cheaper to illegally download songs over the Internet than to unlock files you legitimately purchase from a DRM-protected store (usually a subscription service) and try to move them from your PC to your MP3 player.
A copy of the bill is available here.