On Canadian copyright
Great article by Michael Geist (proclaimed by myself as the Lessig of Canada) on Crown Copyright. Seems that up here in the GWN*, our government holds copyright on anything it produces. You could argue that makes sense, but as Geist points out, it can cause far more trouble than it's worth.

Dating back to the 1700s, crown copyright reflects a centuries-old perspective that the government ought to control the public's ability to use official documents. Today crown copyright extends for fifty years from creation and it requires anyone who wants to use or republish a government report, parliamentary hearing, or other work to first seek permission. While permission is often granted, it is not automatic. The Canadian approach stands in sharp contrast to the situation in the U.S. where the federal government does not hold copyright over work created by an officer or employee as part of that person's official duties. Accordingly, government reports, court cases, and Congressional transcripts can be freely used and published.

(via BoingBoing)
---------------------
* That would be Great White North, for the non-hosers out there  ¶ 12:39 p.m.