Harper Government Blocks New Fees on Memory Cards

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 7, 2012) - The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, today announced the publication of regulations in the Canada Gazette that exempt microSD memory cards from levies under the private copying regime.

"Our Government is committed to building a strong and vibrant Canadian digital economy and the wide-spread adoption of digital technology is the foundation upon which it will be built," said Minister Paradis. "To extend a levy to one of the technologies that underpins this increased engagement, adoption and growth just does not make sense."

MicroSD cards are removable memory devices commonly used in mobile devices, such as smart phones, to store pictures, music and other information. On October 18, 2012, the Governor-in-Council made regulations to specifically exclude microSD cards from the private copying levy regime. Under this regime manufacturers and exporters must pay levies, as established by the Copyright Board, on sales of blank audio recording media not destined for the export market.

"The Retail Council of Canada welcomes these new regulations and commends this government for acting so quickly to bring them into force," said Diane J. Brisebois, President & CEO of the Retail Council of Canada. "These measures will ultimately save Canadians money and protect consumers from paying an unwarranted and unnecessary tax."

"RIM praises the government's decision to make multi-purpose electronic media, such as MicroSD cards, exempt from private copying levies," said Morgan Elliott, RIM Director of Government Relations. "Levies of this nature do not benefit consumers, and have the potential to interfere with future innovation."

"Through the Copyright Modernization Act, our Government delivered a modern and responsive copyright regime that ensures consumer and user rights, while giving creators the tools to protect their work and grow their businesses," added Minister Paradis. "Any measure that inhibits the adoption of new technologies, as these proposed fees would, is simply incompatible with supporting our growing digital economy."

For more information on the Copyright Modernization Act, please visit www.balancedcopyright.gc.ca.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Margaux Stastny
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Christian Paradis
Minister of Industry
613-995-9001


Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502