Hopefully, this decision is the first step towards the Government of Canada recognizing that there is a fundamental flaw with the private copying levy and there is a need for comprehensive changes.

To our way of thinking the private copying levy has been a problem since it was first introduced back in 1999 on recordable media. And the problem was exacerbated last December when the levy was extended to cover non-removable media permanently embedded in digital audio recorders.

We believe that under the current law, consumers are being treated unfairly - they are either being forced to pay twice: once when they pay for the music they purchase through legitimate online music services, and then a second time through a hidden levy; or they are being charged the levy for music when that is not what they are using their devices for.

London Drugs was one of the few retailers in Canada that chose to show the cost of the levy as a separate item on our receipts. We did this so customers were aware of the "hidden levy". As of today and until further notice, London Drugs customers will not be charged for the private copying levy on MP3 players.

In addition, if you are a customer who has purchased a MP3 player from us (London Drugs Limited) after December 12, 2003, let us know and you may be entitled to a refund fo the levy, if, and when, levy refunds are provided by the Canadian Private Copying Collective and made available to the public. To that end please send us by mail your name and contact information (your address), along with a copy of your receipt to: Attention: Private Copying Levy Refund, London Drugs Limited, 12381 Horseshoe Place, Richmond, BC, V7A 4X5.

We do not believe the private copying levy is fair, so London Drugs has joined with other retailers and manufacturers to oppose this on behalf of their customers. We encourage you to add your voice to ours; contact the government directly:

The Honourable David Emerson - Minister of Industry - email Emerson.D@parl.gc.ca

The Honourable Lisa Frulla - Minister of Canadian Heritage - Frulla.L@parl.gc.ca