Consumer Information

Netflix Fare Hike Survival Tips

So, Netflix has decided to raise their prices by one or two bucks, depending on your subscription. And although it is a bit disappointing, I know how to save a few bucks whilst being subscribed to this film streaming service:

  • I subscribe to the Standard Plan, not the Premium Plan, mainly because Ultra HD only offers a limited visual improvement on many films and some films are not made available in that higher resolution rate. And I rarely have multiple films streaming to several televisions or devices anyway.
  • Netflix gift cards are occasionally discounted or sold with bonus loyalty points at some stores and gas stations in Canada so you can stock up for a year’s worth of subscriptions or more using these offers. I take advantage of Air Miles offers at Shell Gas Stations and Optimum Points offers at my Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix, Loblaws, Your Independent Grocer and Real Canadian Superstore stores. These are usually advertised in their flyers.
  • You might also consider cancelling your subscription to the other streaming services you don’t actually need. I personally got rid of Paramount+ because they aren’t going to be streaming the new Picard series in Canada and i’ve already watched everything I wanted on Apple+ so i’ve cancelled that one as well, although you should note that offers for free subscriptions to the latter are occasionally made with purchases from Apple.
  • In regards to CraveTV, you can save a few bucks by just viewing streaming content on your tablet and/or paying for your yearly membership in advance, preferably with a discounted gift card. And yearly membership is also available on Disney+, who offer a limited amount of Ultra HD films to their subscribers at no extra cost.
  • I also personally never subscribed to Spotify because Amazon Music is offered to me free via my Prime Membership at Amazon.ca, along with Prime Video, which has a decent selection of films and concerts.
  • I’ve also saved on extra cable outlets by installing an omnidirectional outdoor antenna, connecting my bedroom televisions to that antenna. I was mainly watching my local television stations on those televisions anyway. And some cable companies allow streaming on tablets and/or Roku, which eliminates the need for extra cable outlets.

I hope these tips are useful to some of you.

Ontario/Quebec Covid Update & More

Capacity limits will be removed today on establishments that require vaccine passports in Ontario, like cinemas and conventions. But it appears a 50% limit will be imposed on concert venues and theatres according to the official press release from the Government of Ontario.

Proof of vaccination requirements will be lifted on March 1st but social distancing, masks and hand sanitizing will remain for some time, as it will in Quebec, where capacity limits have been lifted for cinemas.

Smaller venues in Quebec with less than 10,000 seats will be allowed to fully open but restaurants, bars and taverns will be limited to 50% capacity until March 14th.

By the way, the Record Store Day release lists for April 23rd and June 18th have been released. You can view them by clicking here.

Ontario Theatres Closed

Cineplex has issued a notice that the their theatres will be closed as of January 5th, 2201 in response to the new provincial guidelines on COVID. And it appears that the other chains in the province will do so shortly.

Refunds will be issued so keep an eye on your email if you have purchased tickets.

Boxing Day

Although i’m tempted to go out today, i’m sure the crowds would probably be a turn off, especially now that the occupancy limits are back up. And i’m still waiting for my booster shot so i’m shopping from home today, although i’m not looking for much because I scored several deals on Black Friday.

Amazon.ca, Best Buy, Microsoft Store Canada, Newegg.ca, Shopper’s Plus and The Source started their electronics deals on Christmas Eve but they’re still adding some today. And several of them have free shipping offers so i’m keeping my butt out of the cold today. 🙂

Back to Square One

Unfortunately it appears that we’re back to the occupancy limits in most provinces, both in stores and in theatres, thanks to the Omicron variant.

Most music stores will remain open with the usual precautions, accepting proof of vaccination for access. But some movie theatres have decided to close or alter their schedules, and are offering refunds for pre-purchased tickets so keep an eye out for an email if you’ve purchased tickets recently.

Some live performances are being cancelled or rescheduled but many are simply waiting to see if the new variant will be controlled so keep an eye on your favourite band’s official site or Facebook group for details.

Microsoft

Deadlines from Canada Post

Here are some useful links from Canada Post:

  • Click here to find out how long your parcel will take to reach its destination, within Canada.
  • Click here to find out Canada Post’s seasonal deadlines for this year
  • Click here for mail delivery disruption information from Canada Post