By Pepper Parr
December 2, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
OPINION
I got the notice and if you are a Netflix subscriber, I assume you got one as well.
Just what did it mean? They were telling us that they have created a new corporate structure to deal with their Canadian clients. Would that be a defensive move to protect them from the Canadian tax system.
That’s my take – what do you think?
Here is what the Netflix notice said:
We wanted to let you know about some updates to Netflix. These won’t affect your experience—continue watching your shows and movies as usual.
On January 1, 2021, your Netflix contracting company will change to Netflix, Inc.. This update will be made automatically, with no interruption to your current membership.
We periodically update our legal terms. Please take a moment to read the current Terms of Use and Privacy Statement.
The notice raised my eyebrows but perhaps that is just my core suspicion showing.
Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
Netflix had previously stated its willingness to cooperate with the Canadian Gov. in collecting/paying HST. Perhaps this new structure is just part of that, rather than a conspiracy to avoid anything. After all, it will be the Canadian consumer who pays the tax, which Netflix will pass on to the Canadian Government.