Copyright change made in 2022 has significant effects on public domain

Effective December 30, 2022, the copyright term for literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works in Canada was extended from 50 to 70 years past the end of the year in which the creator died. This change did not impact any works that were already in the public domain, which means any works that had entered the public domain prior to December 30, 2022, remained so. 

In other words, the works created by authors/creators who died in 1971 entered the public domain in Canada on January 1, 2022, and these works continue to be in the public domain. However, works created by authors/creators who died in 1972 are now protected by copyright until the end of 2042, entering the public domain in Canada on January 1, 2043.   

As of December 30, 2022, when calculating the date a work enters the public domain, it will be 70 years after the death of the creator, at the end of the relevant calendar year. For example, since Stuart McLean died February 15, 2017, his book Christmas at the Vinyl Café will not enter the public domain until January 1, 2088. 

Please contact the Copyright Office, copyright@ucalgary.ca with any questions related to this change.