April 18, 2016
Editor
The Wellington Advertiser
Dear Editor,
In the recent Federal Budget the new Liberal Government announced that they will first reduce and then cancel both the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit and the Children’s Art Tax Credit.
The Children’s Fitness Tax Credit was created in 2006 to make it more affordable for families to enroll in organized sports and fitness activities. The Children’s Art Tax Credit was introduced 2011 to give parents who pay for their children’s art and music lessons similar benefits. These tax credits are popular with parents and families across Canada and have produced $1.13 Billion is tax benefits to Canadian families. Credits like these have contributed to the lowest federal taxes in 50 years.
While I am disappointed that the new Liberal Government has decided to cancel these programs, I feel it is important to remind families that they can continue to receive benefits for a short period of time. On July 1, 2016 the limit to the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit will be reduced from $1,000 to $500 and the Children’s Art Tax Credit will be reduced from $500 to $250. On January 1, 2017 both will be eliminated entirely. As such, I would encourage parents and families to keep their receipts until the cancellation of the credits next year.
As your Member of Parliament I will oppose these changes and work to defend the tax-payers of Perth-Wellington.
John Nater, M.P.
Perth-Wellington
John Nater, M.P.