Canadian Magazine Dispute Analysis

The “Canadian Magazine Dispute”

While there have been many positive outcomes to globalization as a whole, in my opinion, there have been an equal number of negative effects as well. One example of this is the “Canadian Magazine Dispute.” Many questions arise when this topic is discussed such as, “whether or not it is fair to levy extra taxes against foreign magazines,” or “If Canadians prefer buying American magazines, shouldn’t they be allowed to “vote” on their purchasing habits?” I will do my best to address both of these questions and a few more while utilizing the knowledge I have acquired this week.

To what extent do you think the U.S.-Canadian magazine dispute was motivated by genuine desires to protect Canadian culture?

I do believe

I believe that this was the intent of the Canadian government when they imposed higher taxes on imported magazines. However, when you look at the facts, out of all of the magazine purchases that Canadian citizens make, Canadians only purchase about 11% of Canadian magazines and the remainder of the reading material is imported. (The Levin Institute, n.d.) Canada’s government was most definitely seeking to protect the financial interests of the Canadian magazine industry. I am torn between this being beneficial to the economy by providing more jobs inside of the country, and this being rewarding for a select few groups of

In addition, if Canadians had regularly chosen Canadian magazines over imported magazines, this would be a different situation. But, considering the low percentage of Canadian magazines purchased versus imported magazines purchased, it is clear to me that even if there wasn’t any tax on imported magazines, Canadian culture would not have been affected.

If Canadians seem to prefer buying American magazines, shouldn't they be allowed to "vote" with their purchasing habits?

Statistically, Canadians have been choosing American magazines over Canadian magazines. However, Canada is a democracy. Citizens elect officials who in turn run the country. While it would be wonderful in theory to have the ability to vote on every pressing matter to impact the country, this would be simply impossible. In spite of that, there are other channels for a citizen to take when s/he disagrees with the current events taking place in government. Citizens can and should contact their local ruling body and voice their opinion as I am of the opinion that change comes in numbers.

Is it fair to levy extra taxes against foreign magazines—which have the effect of forcing Canadian purchasers of foreign magazines to subsidize local