Canada Expands Access to Copyrighted Print Materials for Disabled

Author: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Published: 2016/10/10 - Updated: 2025/05/13
Publication Type: Announcement
Category Topic: Canada - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This information, issued by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, outlines the country's accession to the Marrakesh Treaty, which aims to improve access to copyrighted print materials for individuals with visual impairments and print disabilities. By becoming the 20th nation to join the treaty, Canada helped bring it into force internationally. The treaty facilitates the reproduction and exchange of works in accessible formats like Braille, audiobooks, and large-print books, enabling schools, libraries, and charitable organizations to better support education and employment opportunities for Canadians with disabilities.

This development is particularly significant given that, prior to the treaty, only a small percentage of published works were available in accessible formats, limiting access to information and literature for many individuals. The information is authoritative as it originates from a federal government department responsible for innovation and economic development, ensuring its relevance and accuracy for policymakers, educators, and advocates working to enhance accessibility for persons with disabilities - Disabled World (DW).

Defining eBook

eBook: An eBook, short for electronic book, is a digital version of a traditional printed book that can be read on electronic devices such as e-readers, tablets, smartphones, or computers. Unlike physical books, eBooks exist as files-commonly in formats like EPUB or MOBI-that contain text, images, or both, and are designed to be displayed on screens with adjustable features like font size and style to enhance readability. This flexibility makes eBooks especially useful for people with visual impairments or reading difficulties. They offer instant access to vast libraries without the bulk of physical books and reduce environmental impact by eliminating the need for paper and printing. Additionally, eBooks often include interactive functions such as search, dictionary lookup, and translation, which enrich the reading experience beyond what printed books can provide.

Introduction

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, announced that the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled is coming into force internationally today.

Main Content

The entry into force of the Marrakesh Treaty was made possible on June 30 when Canada became the 20th country to formally join the Treaty, meeting the total required for it to come into force.

The Treaty will facilitate the exchange of print material around the world in a variety of accessible formats, such as Braille, audiobooks and large-print books.

The Treaty will also enable schools, libraries and charitable organizations to support the education and employment of Canadians with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive global community.

As more countries join the Treaty, visually impaired and print-disabled people will have greater access to print material from around the world-and in a variety of languages.

"It was an honour for Canada to be the first G7 country to formally join the Treaty. It is a game changer for people living with visual impairments and print disabilities. Thanks to Canada's leadership, they will have greater access to information, literature and knowledge, enabling them to fully participate in our economy and society." - The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

About The Marrakesh Treaty

The Marrakesh Treaty, an international treaty administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization, was adopted in Marrakesh in 2013. It establishes standardized exemptions to copyright laws, allowing people to reproduce copyright-protected works in accessible formats and to import or export them. On June 30, 2016, Canada became the 20th country to join the Treaty.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: Canada's leadership in advancing the Marrakesh Treaty marks a milestone in the global movement toward accessibility and inclusion. By championing standardized copyright exemptions, the country not only sets a precedent for other nations but also ensures that people with print disabilities are no longer excluded from the wealth of knowledge available in print. This initiative underscores the importance of equitable access to information and the role of policy in breaking down barriers for marginalized communities - Disabled World (DW).

Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and published on 2016/10/10, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.