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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2017
Other Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets [Abstract] |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES | COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES ACCOUNTING POLICY Contingent liabilities are liabilities of uncertain timing or amount and are not recognized until we have a present obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that we will experience an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. We disclose our contingent liabilities unless the possibility of an outflow of resources in settlement is remote. USE OF ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS JUDGMENTS We are exposed to possible losses related to various claims and lawsuits against us for which the outcome is not yet known. We therefore make significant judgments in determining the probability of loss when we assess contingent liabilities. EXPLANATORY INFORMATION COMMITMENTS Below is a summary of the future minimum payments for our contractual commitments that are not recognized as liabilities as at December 31, 2017:
| Less than |  |  |  | After |  |
(In millions of dollars) | 1 Year |  | 1-3 Years |  | 4-5 Years |  | 5 Years |  | Total |
Operating leases | 202 |  | 308 |  | 167 |  | 294 |  | 971 |
Player contracts 1 | 111 |  | 88 |  | 10 |  | 7 |  | 216 |
Purchase obligations 2 | 368 |  | 346 |  | 167 |  | 121 |  | 1,002 |
Program rights 3 | 546 |  | 1,121 |  | 1,079 |  | 1,886 |  | 4,632 |
Total commitments | 1,227 |  | 1,863 |  | 1,423 |  | 2,308 |  | 6,821 |
1 | Player contracts are Toronto Blue Jays players’ salary contracts into which we have entered and are contractually obligated to pay.
2 | Purchase obligations are the contractual obligations under service, product, and wireless device contracts to which we have committed.
3 | Program rights are the agreements into which we have entered to acquire broadcasting rights for sports broadcasting programs and films for periods in excess of one year at contract inception.
Operating leases are for network sites, office premises, and retail outlets across the country. The majority of the lease terms range from five to fifteen years. Rent expense for 2017 was $228 million (2016 - $223 million). In addition, as at December 31, 2017, our contractual commitments were $298 million for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment and $141 million for the acquisition of intangible assets. In addition, as at December 31, 2017, our contractual commitments related to all of our associates and joint ventures were $494 million, which are not included in the above table. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES We have the following contingent liabilities as at December 31, 2017: System Access Fee - Saskatchewan In 2004, a class action was commenced against providers of wireless communications in Canada under the Class Actions Act (Saskatchewan). The class action relates to the system access fee wireless carriers charge to some of their customers. The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages and punitive damages, which would effectively be a reimbursement of all system access fees collected. In 2007, the Saskatchewan Court granted the plaintiffs' application to have the proceeding certified as a national, "opt-in" class action where affected customers outside Saskatchewan must take specific steps to participate in the proceeding. In 2008, our motion to stay the proceeding based on the arbitration clause in our wireless service agreements was granted. The Saskatchewan Court directed that its order, in respect of the certification of the action, would exclude customers who are bound by an arbitration clause from the class of plaintiffs. In 2009, counsel for the plaintiffs began a second proceeding under the Class Actions Act (Saskatchewan) asserting the same claims as the original proceeding. If successful, this second class action would be an "opt-out" class proceeding. This second proceeding was ordered conditionally stayed in 2009 on the basis that it was an abuse of process. At the time the Saskatchewan class action was commenced in 2004, corresponding claims were filed in multiple jurisdictions across Canada, although the plaintiffs took no active steps. The appeal courts in several provinces dismissed the corresponding claims as an abuse of process. The claims in all provinces other than Saskatchewan have now been dismissed or discontinued. We have not recognized a liability for this contingency. 911 Fee In June 2008, a class action was launched in Saskatchewan against providers of wireless communications services in Canada. It involves allegations of breach of contract, misrepresentation, and false advertising, among other things, in relation to the 911 fee that had been charged by us and the other wireless telecommunication providers in Canada. The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages and restitution. The plaintiffs intend to seek an order certifying the proceeding as a national class action in Saskatchewan. We have not recognized a liability for this contingency. Cellular Devices In July 2013, a class action was launched in British Columbia against providers of wireless communications in Canada and manufacturers of wireless devices. The class action relates to the alleged adverse health effects incurred by long-term users of cellular devices. The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages and punitive damages, effectively equal to the reimbursement of the portion of revenue the defendants have received that can reasonably be attributed to the sale of cellular phones in Canada. We have not recognized a liability for this contingency. Income Taxes We provide for income taxes based on all of the information that is currently available and believe that we have adequately provided these items. The calculation of applicable taxes in many cases, however, requires significant judgment (see note 12) in interpreting tax rules and regulations. Our tax filings are subject to audits, which could materially change the amount of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities and provisions, and could, in certain circumstances, result in the assessment of interest and penalties. Other Claims There are certain other claims and potential claims against us. We do not expect any of these, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on our financial results. Outcome of Proceedings The outcome of all the proceedings and claims against us, including the matters described above, is subject to future resolution that includes the uncertainties of litigation. It is not possible for us to predict the result or magnitude of the claims due to the various factors and uncertainties involved in the legal process. Based on information currently known to us, we believe it is not probable that the ultimate resolution of any of these proceedings and claims, individually or in total, will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial results, or financial condition. If it becomes probable that we will be held liable for claims against us, we will recognize a provision during the period in which the change in probability occurs, which could be material to our Consolidated Statements of Income or Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

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