-- CTF Denouces Sheila Copps' Latest "Stealth" Tax Via the Copyright Board --

OTTAWA: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today blasted the new tape tax - which the government likes to call a "levy" - introduced by the federal Copyright Board, a result of changes to the Copyright Act championed by Heritage Minister Sheila Copps. The changes were passed into law almost a year ago.

"A package of ten 90-minute cassette tapes that used to cost $15.00 now will now cost $17.33 thanks to the new tape tax announced today - almost a 15% increase in the cost to consumers," said CTF-federal director Walter Robinson. "If this if Minister Copps' way of saying Merry Christmas to Canadian taxpayers, then she can keep the present under her own tree, thank you very little."

The levy will be imposed by the Copyright Board on manufacturers and importers of blank recording media. The Board claims 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 monies - expected to top $9 million per year - will be distributed to an obscure group known as the Canadian Private Copying Collective.

"This is utter bafflegab from the Copyright Board and doesn't stand the test of simple scrutiny," said Robinson. "To believe that producers and importers of blank audio media will simply absorb the cost of this levy is absolutely ludicrous. It's seems as thought the folks at the Copyright Board have had a little too much egg nog during this festive season. You can rest assured that consumers - taxpayers - will bear the full brunt of this levy."

"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 Robinson. "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."

Robinson also noted that artists already receive royalties through performances, sales of their works and other endorsement packages.

"In the long run, this levy may actually hurt Canadian artists as it will make it tougher for independents or new-comers to buy bulk quantities of blank audio media to promote their work," concluded Robinson. "But such common sense is clearly lacking when it comes to Canada's culture vultures, they still believe a tape tax is a good idea. It's truly pathetic."