Ted Falk, Member of Parliament for Provencher, has seconded Bill C-428, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (child fitness tax credit).
Bill C-428, introduced by Dr. Kellie Leitch, Member of Parliament for Simcoe – Grey, proposes a new Child’s Fitness Tax Credit that would allow parents of children 18 years old or under enrolled in an eligible physical activity to deduct up to $500 per child from their taxes. Parents of a child with a disability 21 years old or under would be able to deduct up to $1,000.
In 2006, the previous Conservative government introduced the original Children’s Fitness Tax Credit, designed to help parents with the costs of keeping kids active through organized physical activities such as hockey. By 2014, 1.8 million families were claiming the credit – 43% of Canadian families with children. The Trudeau Liberals eliminated the credit in 2017.
“Healthy physical activities for our kids can be expensive,” Falk said. “Conservatives recognize that making youth participation in sports and other physical activities more affordable will encourage healthy, active lifestyles and improve quality of life.”
“This is a common-sense measure to help Canadian families stay happy and healthy,” Falk added.
