Monday June 16, 2014 – 11am
Posted Jun 16, 2014 11:13:27 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
11:00- Gregory Thomas, Federal Director, Canadian Taxpayers Federation
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is calling on the Harper government to end the practice of forcing Canadian providers to charge GST and HST on digitally downloaded movies, TV shows and music. The recommendation is contained in the CTF’s submission to the federal finance department’s consultation panel, set-up in the February 2014 budget to look into cross-border taxation issues. A study last year showed that 21 per cent of Canadian households subscribe to Netflix, the popular U.S. online service that allows unlimited viewing of its library of movies and TV shows, for $8.99 a month. Canadians can also download a wide variety of digital entertainment from U.S. services such as Apple’s iTunes, or Amazon.com, without GST or HST. But if Canadians download the same movies, music or TV shows from a Canadian provider, they pay the full GST or HST on the purchase.
11:30- Leonard Sharman, Senior Advisor of Media Relations with the Co-operators Insurance Group
Beneath the steering wheels of more than 50,000 cars in Canada are small boxes the size of a mobile phone that let insurance companies monitor when, where and how people drive. The pitch made by insurers for usage-based insurance (UBI) programs is certainly enticing: By installing the device, drivers can save up to 25 per cent on their insurance bills. Experts say it may also make for safer roads if people drive more conscientiously, knowing it could save them money. But, as with almost any new technological feature these days, the trade-off comes at the cost of privacy- Big Brother is the new backseat driver. UBI is new to Canada, but has existed in some U.S. states and in Europe for several years. It’s been slow to catch on here, partly due to concerns by customers that insurers will use driving data to justify jacking up premiums. The handful of companies currently offering the service insist that won’t happen, that the offering is simply meant to attract safe drivers lured by the potential discount.
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