Magazine Publishers Service Canada Mags Magazine Publishers Company Not reasonable when it comes to voiding subscription. Montreal, Quebec Canada

I received a call in April 2013 about a magazine subscription fron the above mentioned company and I got caught up in all the sales pitch. I received the invoice in the mail and then reality hit me that i committed to paying $690.00 for a year.

I called the toll free number to cancel my subscription and was told that the cancelation period was passed. I explained that the invoice arrived after the date, and was told that I could have gone on the internet and cancelled. I was reminded that I agreed to a contract on the phone for the subscription.
I was willing to accept a penalty for the cancellation but was told that i  would still have to pay  about $550.00, due to the company pre payment for said magazines. I find that a bit harsh and unacceptable.
I can purchase an item in a retail store and return it if I am not satisfied but for a magazine subscription which was done company to company via emails or virtual commerce all that i am getting is less that a 10% relief.

The individual i spoke to was very adamant that I agreed to the subscription and that there was nothing else that they could do.

People make mistakes but we should not be punished to this extent for them. I feel like i am being forced to make these payments with no way out.

Has anyone been able to cancel ?
Lesson learned.