Works in the public domain are all works that are not covered by copyright. These works belong to the public and therefore have no restrictions on their use. Public domain most often applies to works in which copyright has expired.
In Canada, the term of copyright is, in most instances, for the life of the creator plus 70 years (ending on January 1 of the year following the 70-year period). You might be familiar with life plus 50 years, however a recent update to the Copyright Act, which comes into force at the end of 2022, extends this to life plus 70 years. After that time period, works enter the public domain.
There are some exceptions which can alter when an item enters public domain. If you would like to learn more please contact Assiniboine's Copyright Officer.
