Songwriters Association of Canada Pushes For 'Piracy' Fee

From Robert Thompson, Billboard:

The Songwriters Association of Canada is pushing forward with a proposal to charge Canadian Internet and wireless users $5 per month to compensate for losses due to file sharing.

"We propose an amendment to the Copyright Act which would establish a new right: The Right to Equitable Remuneration for Music File Sharing," the organization wrote in a press release. The Songwriters Association is a lobbying and educational organization based in Toronto.

The organization says it is proposing a $5 fee that would "remove the stigma of illegality from file sharing."

"In addition, it would represent excellent value to the consumer, since this fee would grant access to the majority of the world's repertoire of music," the organization said.

The proposal comes at a time when many critics of the music industry have suggested touring and merchandising revenue can replace lost income from deteriorating CD sales.

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