Copyright Page Requirements for Canadian Authors

Canadian copyright is automatic under the Copyright Act (R.S.C., 1985). No registration is required, though voluntary registration is available through the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) for $50-$65. Canadian copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years (extended from 50 years in 2022 under the CUSMA agreement).

Canada offers free ISBNs through Library and Archives Canada — a significant advantage over US authors who must pay $125+ per ISBN from Bowker. Apply at bac-lac.gc.ca. Each format needs its own ISBN. Free ISBNs are available to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents who self-publish.

For bilingual Canadian books, the copyright page should appear in both English and French if the book is distributed in Quebec. For English-only books, standard English copyright notices are sufficient. If you plan a French edition later, you'll need a separate ISBN and copyright page for that edition.

Canadian authors publishing on Amazon.ca should include ISBNs from Library and Archives Canada. If also publishing on Amazon.com, the same copyright page works for both marketplaces — copyright notices are internationally standardised.

The Legal Deposit requirement in Canada means you must send copies of your published book to Library and Archives Canada. This applies to self-published books as well. Mention 'Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication' on your copyright page if you've obtained a CIP record.