The arrival of the Internet, digital technology and peer-to-peer networks has  generated many questions, particularly in the area of copyright. In this regard, many people are are asking themselves whether the virtual world should be regulated differently than the physical one, or if traditional copyright legislation should be adapted to new digital environments. Adaptation does not appear to be easy, however. In Canada, the Copyright Act has still not been amended by legislators to apply to new digital environments, as opposed to the United States and Europe.

The legality of downloading music from peer-to-peer networks therefore remains very controversial. As Sophie Rompré, corporate lawyer for StreamTheWorld points out, "The popularity of peer-to-peer networks means that authors lose control over the distribution of their works. If there were a private copying levy for digital audio recorders, such as iPods and MP3 players, and USB keys, as is done in France, it could help make up for the losses suffered by copyright holders. The question goes much deeper, however. With the rapid evolution of technologies allowing copyright holders to control access and copying of musical works, the interests of consumers and the right to private copies could also be infringed."

Other matters are leading legislators to review their principles. Web2.0, in particular, is leading to new ways of looking at the role of users. The universal nature of the Internet generates questions regarding the traceability of people, political governance and the compatibility of various national jurisdictions.

Similarly, new medical technologies (e.g. prosthesis, embedded tools, genetics) require the creation of a new legislative framework.

"Our proximity to the United States ensures that we will have to face these questions sooner rather than later," affirms Pierre Trudel. "Differing proposals have been submitted, and debates set up to move the law along, while respecting fundamental laws."