Andrew Scheer pledges more tax relief for families
Two tax credits for kids’ activities mean more money in your pockets
Sept. 16, 2019
KELOWNA, B.C. – Today, Andrew Scheer, Leader of Canada’s Conservatives, announced two tangible measures so Canadians can worry less about their bottom line.
“This election will come down to one question: Who do you trust to put more money in your pocket for you, for your family?” said Scheer. “I have a plan for all Canadians to get ahead, starting with families who work so hard while raising their kids.”
With the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit, a new Conservative government will:
- Allow parents to claim up to $1,000 per child for expenses related to fitness or sports-related activities;
- Make the credit refundable so low-income Canadians benefit most; and,
- Allow parents of children with disabilities to claim an additional $500 per child, per year.
With the Children’s Arts and Learning Tax Credit, a new Conservative government will:
- Allow parents to claim up to $500 per child for expenses related to arts and educational activities;
- Make the credit refundable so low-income Canadians benefit most;
- Make it flexible, so children can get extra help studying a language or learning science, math or coding; and,
- Allow parents of children with disabilities to claim double the amount, up to $1,000 per child, per year.
Under Justin Trudeau, Canadian families are under pressure and worried about their future. Half of families are just $200 away from insolvency at the end of each month. Canadian families’ net worth declined for the first time in a decade. And because of Justin Trudeau’s carbon tax, every day essentials cost more and more.
“Young, middle-class families are the future of this country. Instead of helping the middle class like he promised, Justin Trudeau has made life more expensive,” said Scheer. “I have a plan that will put more money in your pockets – for you, for your kids. It’s time for you to get ahead.”
As Prime Minister, Andrew Scheer will:
- Cut taxes for every working Canadian by implementing the Universal Tax Credit;
- Support commuters with the Green Public Transit Tax Cut; and,
- Support young families by making EI maternity and parental benefits tax-free.
FACTS:
- The Trudeau Liberals cancelled two previously available tax credits (arts and fitness).
- In 2017, Trudeau falsely claimed “low-income families don’t benefit from tax breaks.” In fact, claimants of the two cancelled tax cuts came from all income tax brackets, and from every region of the country.
- Nearly 1.78 million Canadian families claimed at least one of two previously available tax credits (arts or fitness) in 2014 alone.
- That year, more than 698,000 Ontario families, more than 411,000 Quebec families, more than 223,000 B.C. families and more than 217,000 families in Alberta families benefitted from these credits.
- Some 210,000 families making $40,000 or less (i.e., households in the lowest income tax bracket) applied for and received these tax credits.
Additional info:
- Backgrounder
- Independent Parliamentary Budget Officer Costing: Children’s Fitness Tax Credit
- Independent Parliamentary Budget Officer Costing: Children’s Arts and Learning Tax Credit
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Media inquiries:
Daniel Schow
[email protected]
613-218-2931
Virginie Bonneau
[email protected]
613-404-4612