Recently some potentially helpful information has been removed from various boards with the statement that the information was in violation of copyright laws. I contacted the Copyright Bureau of Library and Archives Canada last evening because the gc.ca web site was a little vague. There response is as follows:
(Anyone wishing an attached copy of the org email, I can send it directly to them.)From: Copyright /droit_d'auteur [copyright/droit_d'
auteur@lac-bac.gc.ca]
To: 'Glenn'
CC: Copyright /droit_d'auteur
Subject: Reproduction and / or Transcribing Canadian Census
Dear Mr. Baird,
Your enquiry for the copyright status of Census Canada data available from our website has been received by the Copyright Bureau of Library and Archives Canada.
Census up to and including 1911, which are posted on our website are now in the public domain, which means that the copyright protection has expired. Additionally, there are no other restrictions applicable to this material, therefore it may be used freely without seeking permission or paying royalties. We would ask that you kindly acknowledge the source as follows:
Source: Library and Archives Canada's website (
www.collectionscanada.ca)
As indicated on the website (for example, 1911 Census), the following does indicate that it is now permissible to purchase copies of this material:
It is possible for libraries, organizations and individuals to purchase or borrow microfilm copies of the Census of Canada, 1911. The reels are 35 mm.
Please note that you will find more information on obtaining copies from Library and Archives Canada as well as our price lists on our website at
http://www.collectionscanada.ca/services/005-210-e.html#d.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Copyright Bureau of Library and Archives Canada if you have any questions regarding this request.
Sincerely,
Thank you,
Carole Cloutier
Senior Licensing and Copyright Specialist
Copyright Bureau / Services Branch
Library and Archives Canada
Tel.: (613) 992-2567 / Fax: (613) 996-1341
Email: copyright/droit_d'
auteur@lac-bac.gc.caWeb site:
www.collectionscanada.ca~~~~~~~~
From: Glenn [mailto:gbaird5@cogeco.ca]
Sent: Tuesday, February 07, 2006 10:43 PM
To: copyright/droit_d'
auteur@lac-bac.gc.caSubject: Reproduction and / or Transcribing Canadian Census
Sir;
I am inquiring to the digital reproduction and / or transcribing of the released Canadian Census for the purpose of free access in the study of genealogy.
Do these documents (the census record) that have been posted on the "Library and Archive Canada" web site fall under copyright law of Canada and what is our government policies on this subject?
I could not find any copyright marks or statements when searching the Databases.
The only information I have been able to find is the policies I could find is:
(partial statement)
"For all material reproduced from our website, we ask that you respect the conditions listed below. These conditions apply to material that you have obtained written permission to reproduce from Library and Archives Canada and/or any unrestricted public domain material, which can be reproduced without permission. You may reproduce material from the Library and Archives Canada website provided that:
Library and Archives Canada is identified as the source;
You exercise due diligence in ensuring the accuracy of the material reproduced;
You do not manipulate and/or modify the material reproduced; and
The reproduction is not represented as an official version of the material reproduced or as having been made in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of, Library and Archives Canada."
Thank you for you time and am looking forward to your reply.
Glenn Baird