On the G7 Summit: AI and culture can be a win-win
Friday, June 13, 2025
June 13, 2025 - Artificial intelligence ranks among the top transformations our economy and society has ever seen. It is no wonder then that this week, as the leaders of the world’s seven largest economies convene in Kananaskis, Alberta, for the G7 Summit, AI ranks high on the agenda. But before our leaders rush in, chasing transformative opportunities and efficiencies, it’s worth considering the essential conditions for the cultural sector and AI. Authorization, remuneration and transparency are the key elements.
Access Copyright and Copibec, the collective organizations for rights holders in English- and French-Canada respectively, call on the leaders of the G7 economies to advance an AI legislative framework that is embedded with those strong pillars. Moreover, we seek assurance that Canada will not introduce an exception in the Copyright Act for text and data mining.
Creative industries and creators constitute a major component of the global economy and must be part of the AI discussion. For the publishing sector, human creativity is central and must be protected to ensure it is valued and continues to flourish. As technology companies, AI developers and big businesses continue to call for widespread AI adoption without guardrails, the entire creative sector is at risk.
Our Presidency at the G7 presents an opportunity for Canada to act and lead on fair and ethical AI, ensuring the cultural sector benefits from its development and adoption. To build the strongest economy in the G7, we must have a clear legislative framework that supports our cultural and digital sovereignty.
As Prime Minister Carney meets with other leaders this week, we are counting on him and the Government of Canada to lead the way in advocating for a responsible AI legislative framework that does not endanger the rights of creators and our rich and diverse culture. Protecting human creativity is protecting Canada.
About Access Copyright
Access Copyright makes it easy for users to share content responsibly, collect payment for this use, and distribute the royalties we generate to creators and publishers which lead to the creation of new works that contribute to Canadian culture and society. Our vision is a world where copyright and creative work are respected and valued.
About Copibec
Copibec is the Quebec collective management society for reproduction rights, a non-profit social economy enterprise specialized in copyright management. It represents over 30,000 authors and 1,300 publishing houses. Copibec provides users of copyright-protected material with simple and tailored solutions to meet their needs. On the international scale, the collective management society has agreements with over 33 foreign societies to include books, newspapers, and magazines from these countries in its repertoire. Among its members are UNEQ, ANEL, RAAV, AJIQ, FPQJ, SODEP, Quotidiens du Québec, and Hebdos du Québec.
Contact :
Kate Edwards – 416-868-1620 x233
Christian Laforce – 450-646-6362