Newfoundland book publishers are concerned that changing the tax on printed books purchased in the province from 5% to 15% would be detrimental not only to bookstores and publishers but to the larger issue of literacy in the province. If books become more expensive, reading levels would be negatively impacted and employment opportunities weakened.
Whereas most jurisdictions in the world have a favourable policy concerning the taxation of printed material, Newfoundland and Labrador would set an unfortunate Canadian precedent in fully taxing books. No other province applies this extra tax. Publishers are stressing the need to convince the provincial government of the importance of maintaining the current taxation structure, adding that books need to be as affordable as possible to encourage reading and to promote literacy in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Newfoundland publishers have started a petition against this change and are urging concerned citizens to write or call their MHA or contact the media to further voice their opinion.
To read the full Newfoundland and Labrador 2016 budget in which this change is mentioned, click here.
