>Well I did NOT pay the government. In one case it was UPS that I paid $41.xx customs clearing and GST collection (GST forming $3.50 but the service fee for that being $8.00!!!). In the other case it was a call from some unknown company and they only charged $28. or so, and I forget details on the other ones.
>I'd say 2/3 of the shipments came with added costs and one third came through unscathed. I have no idea HOW this happened, but I do know that I was not the only one. Whil stopped shipping to Canada because of numerous similar events.
>My personal guess is that the law, or possibly a specific reading of the law, permits this and some companies take advantage.
>
>So what is it that you disagree about, GIVEN THESE EXPERIENCES???

I am for free trade. If it was costing Whil more to ship books to Toronto than it was to Los Angeles, when Toronto is geographically closer, then that is a barrier to free trade.