How about one more tax credit for the middle class? Now we have Goodlife Fitness Centres Inc. lobbying the federal government for a fitness tax credit for adults of all ages. So if I like, as a mature adult, to ski, play in an adult sports league or work out at a gym club, I could receive a tax credit up to $500 per person. This would be on top of those tax credits already available for any children involved in fitness activities, to be bumped up to an eligible amount to $1,000 per child. Needless-to-say, all these tax credits will eventually cost the federal government hundreds of millions of tax dollars in the near future. The costs of implementing the adult fitness tax credit have been estimated by the government to be $69 million in the first year and $275 million each year after.
Now, I have a real problem with subsidizing Goodlife Fitness Centres with taxpayer money. I also have a problem with subsidizing those adults who, of their own volition, decide to participate in sports or fitness activities which the average taxpayer cannot really afford. Let’s face it, given the annual fees for gym clubs, tennis clubs and ski lodges, most of us would probably pass on such activities. I couldn’t even justify paying for those fancy gym outfits and shoes designed to impress the other members. Instead, we regular people look for more affordable past times like walking, hiking in parks, riding bikes, skating on public rinks, etc., etc.
Why not invest in infrastructure from which all of us can benefit! I for one would like to see more taxpayer investment in national and local parks, in playgrounds, public swimming pools, boys and girls clubs, school fitness programs and outdoor public facilities accessible to everyone, regardless of income levels. Today, obesity and other health issues are a concern not only for the middle and upper classes, but also for society as a whole. In the name of gaining a few extra votes, why is it that the ruling party has to be so short-sighted? Is it because poor people tend not to vote in large numbers? Where are the studies that show that such tax breaks really make a difference one way or the other?
After all, we are a free society where people can make their own choices about where to spend their hard earned dollars. If your income is such that you can spend it on fitness or arts and music activities, then that’s your choice. Why I as a taxpayer have to subsidize it is a whole other matter. Sorry, Mr. Finance Minister, my vote cannot and will not be bought by such obvious ploys. As a society, we have many more urgent issues to resolve: national security, the economy, unemployment and the environment to name only a few.
FROLITICKS 