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th ei fp .c a Th e IF P -H al to n H ill s | T hu rs da y, N ov em be r 7, 20 19 | 6 ABOUT US This newspaper, published every Thursday, is a division of the Metroland Media Group Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation. The Metroland family of newspapers is comprised of more than 80 community publications across Ontario. This newspaper is a member of the National NewsMedia Council. Complainants are urged to bring their concerns to the attention of the news- paper and, if not satisfied, write The National NewsMedia Council, Suite 200, 890 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4W 2H2. Phone: 416-340-1981 Web: www.mediacouncil.ca newsroom@theifp.ca IndependentAndFreePress @IFP_11 WHO WE ARE Publisher Kelly Montague Regional General Manager Steve Foreman Regional Managing Editor Catherine O'Hara Managing Editor Karen Miceli Distribution Representative Iouliana Polar Real Estate Kristie Pells Regional Production Manager Manuel Garcia Production Shelli Harrison Halton Media General Manager Vicki Dillane CONTACT US The Independent & Free Press 280 Guelph Street, Unit 77 Georgetown, ON L7G 4B1 Phone: 905-873-0301 Classifieds: 1-800-263-6480 Fax: 905-873-0398 Letters to the editor All letters must be fewer than 320 words and include your name and telephone number for verification purposes. We reserve the right to edit, condense or reject letters. Published letters will appear in print and/or online at theifp.ca Delivery For all delivery inquiries, please e-mail lpolar@miltoncanadianchampion.com or call 905-234-1019. OPINION TO LEARN HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR OWN CONTENT VISIT THEIFP.CA EDITORIAL A significant plank in Justin Trudeau's election platform was his commitment to apply a tax to non- Canadian digital giants, such as Google, Facebook and Amazon. As well, the Liberals promised new regula- tions to better protect personal data and the creation of a "data commissioner" role to oversee the process. This sort of reform is overdue. During its first term, the Trudeau government had an almost laissez faire attitude toward the idea of regulating big data, probably due to its reluctance to face off with these major global corporations. But things have changed. Successive scandals, data breeches and consumer exploitation have shaken the faith of many Canadians. They don't trust Google and Facebook the way they used to, so are more likely to be supportive of regulatory reform. Whatever the rationale, it's good news provided the new govern- ment keeps its commitment to finally move on this subject. New taxes are not to be taken lightly. But in some arenas, they are entirely appropriate, and this is one of those cases. The plan would see multinational tech giants taxed on three per cent of the revenue they generate in Canada, from the sales of online advertis- ing or other profits related to Canadian user data. And why not? Canadian companies already pay taxes, so why shouldn't multinationals? They're cashing in on Cana- dian consumer data, which they would otherwise not have. So it makes perfect sense that they pay corpo- rate taxes in countries where they generate revenue. There is good reason to think this can move swiftly and constructively through Parliament. The Liberals no longer command a majority so will need help, but there should be no shortage with all the other progres- sive parties - Bloc, Greens and NDP - having expressed similar views and even the Conservatives appearing supportive toward a level playing field. That doesn't mean it will be easy. These overdue measures will ruffle international feathers, partic- ularly American ones. The U.S., especially with a bombastic hothead at the helm, will probably object since most of the companies in question are U.S.- based. No doubt the Trump administration will see taxes and regulations as tariffs on American busi- ness, and no doubt sabres will rattle. But consider this - what if the situation was re- versed? What if Canadian companies were doing busi- ness in the U.S., scraping American data and profit and paying little or nothing in return? How long would Washington put up with that? Canada is on solid ground here, and the Trudeau government could do worse than put this at the top of its legislative agenda. REGULATING, TAXING BIG TECH LONG OVERDUE On Nov. 11, Canadians will gather to honour the sacrifices of our veterans. Throughout our history, these brave individuals have defended our free- dom, protected civilians around the world and en- sured security for Canadi- ans at home. In 2019, we marked two significant anniversaries: The 75-year anniversary of D-Day and 80 years since the start of the Second World War. We observed the anni- versary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy on June 6, honouring the day that Allied troops landed on the beaches of Norman- dy. Against difficult odds, Canadians and allies ad- vanced, but sacrificed greatly. Canada's efforts in the Second World War in- volved the entire country, from those serving in the military overseas to the families they left behind. Both of these anniversa- ries honour the individu- als who protected our rights, freedoms and val- ues. On Remembrance Day, we remember these sol- diers and all those who gave their lives in the world wars, Korean War and War in Afghanistan, as well as in ongoing peacekeeping missions and exercises. Today, current mem- bers of the Canadian Armed Forces continue to bring aid and support to ar- eas in conflict, while pro- tecting civilians from the dangers of war. We will never forget the price our veterans paid so we could build the strong, inclusive and peaceful so- ciety they believed in. I encourage you to wear your poppy with pride and observe a moment of si- lence on Nov. 11 to honour those who helped make Halton a great place to live, work, raise a family and re- tire. Gary Carr is regional chair of Halton Region. His column appears the first week of each month. To contact him, email gary.carr@halton.ca. HONOURING OUR VETERANS IT'S TIME TO RECOGNIZE THOSE WHO SERVED, FOUGHT AND DIED FOR OUR FREEDOM, WRITES CARR GARY CARR Column "We will never forget the price our veterans paid so we could build the strong, inclusive and peaceful society they believed in."