B.C. will begin charging PST for Netflix on Apr. 1

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COVID-19 delayed some tax changes in British Columbia, and one of those is the collection of 7% provincial sales tax (PST) from streaming services. Now, the B.C. Ministry of Finance announced it'll be collecting PST starting April 1. This news will mostly affect Netflix users, whose bills will reflect the addition of the sales tax. Streaming services like CraveTV, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime already pay PST.

When this tax measure was announced last year, the province estimated it could generate $16 million in taxes for 2021. But that might change because of the pandemic. Netflix last increased its standard and premium prices in the fall, which now starts at $14.99 per month. So, B.C. residents can expect to pay a bit more to use next beginning in April.

Rogers donates phones with voice, data plans to women's shelters in B.C.

Rogers is working with a handful of women's shelters in British Columbia to offer complimentary devices with six months' worth of free voice and data plans. The project hopes to provide connectivity to vulnerable citizens, like women and children who suddenly find themselves at home with an abusive family member. It's also meant to help women find safe housing with the help of the city staff as well as access other shelter services offered in their areas.

"Whether calling emergency services, accessing support, or staying in touch with loved ones, the donations are aimed at helping vulnerable women with their immediate and crisis needs," said Rick Sellers, president of the B.C. region of Rogers Communications, in a press release.

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