#8 Customs officers routinely waiving duties, taxes on some U.S. goods: briefing note

Source: CTV News
Date : March 23, 2014

A briefing note presented to the Prime Minister showed, Canada's border guards routinely waive taxes and duties on goods bought by travellers in the U.S. The briefing note was prepared last June, but confirms the suspicion's of Canadian retailers, that the Canada Border Services Agency is too lenient with cross-border shoppers. The note indicates that Border services often waive duties and taxes and it is costing the economy millions.

In 2012, The Federal Government raised duty-free limits for travellers coming back from a foreign country, to $200 worth of goods for trips of between one and two days, and $800 for longer trips. Same day trips don't receive any exemptions, and Canada's Border Service Agency indicated that they do enforce a stricter limit on same-day trips, as the potential for abuse is higher, but often amounts under 50$ don't require duty.

In 2012, Canadians made 55 million trips to the U.S. and 33 million of those trips were completed on the same day. With dollar amounts at near par and a newly raised limits on duty-free goods stateside  bargain-hunting was encouraged.

Border guards collect about $150 million in taxes and duties from travellers each year. But the agency doesn't track the amounts it waives, so there's no way to assess how much of a break cross-border shoppers are getting, or how much revenue the government is losing.

I think it's awesome to be able to go stateside to shop! In reality it does hurt retailers in Canada, but most items are half the price. Last fall, the money I saved on an Under Armor hoodie, I bought a pair of sneakers too. When I rolled up to the border, all I basically paid was the tax. There isn't any duty or taxes on grocery items, so to take a day and go shopping stateside, it's well worth the trip for shoppers!

http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/customs-officers-routinely-waiving-duties-taxes-on-some-u-s-goods-briefing-note-1.1742205

#7 Irving says it will spend $38M to modernize sawmills in N.B.

Source: CTV News Atlantic
Date : March 14, 2014

Jim Irving, co-CEO of J.D. Irving Ltd. announced earlier this week that it plans to spend $450 million to modernize mills throughout the province. Irving says, they will spend $38 million modernizing the sawmill production. The projects will include construction of a new sawmill in Doaktown and a new studwood production line in, Chipman.

The news of the spending comes just days after the provincial government lifted a cap on the amount of softwood it will make available to the forestry industry, from Crown land. New Brunswick's 10 year forestry plan and Irving's spending, should help generate close to 400 full-time and seasonal jobs in the province.

I think this is incredible news for our province. It's nice to see the government finally make the move to lift the cap on softwood, because it has a lot to do with mill closures throughout the province. Irving's plans to modernize mills throughout the province is also fantastic, especially in Doaktown and Chipman. I could almost see the $$$$ signs in Pete's eyes when he heard the announcement. Not only will jobs be created, but there's more job security as well.


http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/irving-says-it-will-spend-38m-to-modernize-sawmills-in-n-b-1.1729620

#6 Apple's iPhone recycling program expands to Canada

Source : CBC
Date : March 10, 2014

     Apple announced this week, its plan for Canadians to trade in their old iPhones at Apple Stores. Apple has had a recycling program in place in the past, but under the new plan, Canadians will be able to trade in their old iPhones for an Apple Store credit.

     Both personal and business customers are eligible to bring in their old iPhones and use the store credit as an affordable way to upgrade to a newer phone. Staff will be able to determine on the spot, the amount of the credit; depending on the condition and model of the phone, it could be worth up to a maximum of 275$.

     I think this is a genius marketing strategy, to market newer products and help sales and production continue to grow.  Many iPhone users (like myself) really want to upgrade to a newer, more improved phone, but don't want the high costs associated from providers (ex. Bell). To purchase a new Apple iPhone outright, you could be looking at spending $1000 or more. Offering an in store credit for my used iPhone may be just the incentive I need to make the purchase.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/apple-s-iphone-recycling-program-expands-to-canada-1.2567210