The latest on the Recordable Media Levy

"The law specifically states that any qualifying medium that is sold by an importer
or manufacturer... will be subject to the levy."

Bill C32, originally planned to take effect Jan. 1, 1999, was delayed, but still resulted in Canadians paying higher prices on several categories of recorded media and, as of Dec. 12, 2003, portable audio players, too. As of this writing, hearings on the next phase of the levy, which has been compared to a tax on blank paper, are slated to resume in 2004.

A Virtual Petition is now available on the Internet to sign for those with concerns about Bill C32, the Levy on Blank Audio media. The petition can be reached at www.sycorp.com/levyinfo.htm. According to Sycorp's Malcolm Gray, the petition already has over 22,500 names and is the largest Internet petition in Canadian history. Details about the levy can also be reached at the site.

Gray reports that another coalition that started in Vancouver is trying to get corporate support for a constitutional challenge to fight the levy. They have wide support in the music business but are looking for help in the computer business, since it will cost over $100k to mount a constitutional challenge. For more info about them and the issue, visit www.sycorp.com/icrmc.

For Further Reading

• The Computer News - May 2 Updated info!
• Recording Tax Delayed... (1/26/98)