Copyright basics - Fair dealing (Canada) vs. Fair use (U.S.)

In Canada, fair dealing as defined by the Copyright Act is more restrictive than the fair use provisions in the United States, particularly in regards to education and teaching.

For example, in the United States, showing films or videos in a classroom without special permission or performance rights is permitted. In Canada, public performance rights must be acquired to show a video or film in a classroom.

The United States also allows making copies of works for distribution in class. In Canada, it is forbidden to do so without special agreement or payment to the copyright owners, such as via the Copibec licence.

For additional information on the differences between fair dealing in Canada and fair use in the United States, see the summary table (PDF) prepared by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada.

In Canada, teaching is not listed as an example of fair dealing and is only covered in the specific educational exceptions as outlined below.