LibertyVoice

Bill C-27, the anti-spam bill, passed through the Industry Committee late Monday with the bill largely intact.  Indeed, Industry Minister Tony Clement was true to his word as the several provisions that would have watered down the legislation were dropped (third party referrals, exceptions for survey companies and self-regulated industries) as was a provision promoted by the copyright lobby that would have permitted unauthorized access to personal computers in certain circumstances.

The Liberals on the committee did attempt to introduce several watering down provisions, but each failed.  First, the third party referral provision - dropped by the Conservatives - was brought back by the Liberals as Marc Garneau warned that it was important for realtors.  The amendment was ruled out of order.  Second, a provision to tighten the provision on false subject headers, so that it would only apply in more limited circumstances.  The proposed amendment was defeated.  Third, the Liberals introduced a provision to limit the scope of spyware to specifically enumerated concerns. It too was defeated.