VICTORIA: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today blasted the new tape tax introduced by the federal Copyright Board, a result of passed legislation mothered by Sheila Copps.

"A package of ten 90-minute cassette tapes that used to cost fifteen bucks now will now cost $17.33 - a 15% increase thanks to the new tape tax announced today," said CTF-BC director Mark Milke. "This is a Christmas Grinch tax courtesy of Heritage Minister Sheila Copps."

The levy will be imposed by the Copyright Board on manufacturers and importers of blank recording media. The Board argues that it set a "levy which it feels is fair and equitable, appropriately compensates owners of copyright, but that will not unduly disrupt the marketplace." The tax - expected to top $9 million per year - will be distributed to the Canadian Private Copying Collective.

"This policy is also based on the premise that anyone who purchases blank recording media is a criminal with intent to break copyright laws," added Milke. "What about parents who wish to record the school Christmas pageant Or the local civic group wishing to record a speech by their next guest speaker This is poor and punitive public policy."

"Although consumers won't see the new prices reflected in their bills at the check-out, they will pay higher prices for blank cassettes and CDs as businesses are forced to pass the new tax onto consumers," noted Milke.