As of December 30, 2022, the length of the copyright term for every literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic work in Canada was extended from 50 to 70 years past the year of death of the author. These changes do not apply retroactively. Works that were in the public domain as of December 30th, 2022 will not be granted additional protection.
The Copyright Office is in the process of updating our Public Domain page to reflect these changes. Until then, please refer to Bill C-19, the Budget Implementation Act, 2022, No. 1, which outlines the amendments to the Copyright Act in full.
