February 2, 2005
Families Deserve
Tax Break on Sports, Recreation and Arts says Christy Clark
Victoria - The
provincial government should give tax credits to families for the
cost of enrolling their children in extra-curricular activities,
such as sports, recreation and the arts says Christy Clark.
The Port
Moody-Westwood MLA threw her support behind the concept today
announcing that she plans to introduce a Private Members Motion in
the Legislature this spring.
"As a society,
we have a lot to gain by ensuring children are active in sports,
recreation and the arts as early as possible. Tax relief for
families who often pay significant amounts on their children's
extra-curricular activities makes sense. It makes participation in
sports and the arts more affordable," says Clark.
"Our
government has taken important steps towards making BC schools
healthy and active and a tax credit would build on that work. As we
prepare to meet the Premier's goal of making BC 20% more active by
2010, it's a positive message that is backed by action."
In Canada, 35
percent of boys and 29 percent of girls are now overweight.
Illnesses associated with obesity include heart disease, stroke, and
diabetes. As a result, this generation of children may be the first
in human history that will have a shorter life expectancy than their
parents. Further, the American Medical Association has published a
2002 study showing children who are obese rate their quality of life
as low as children who are undergoing treatment for cancer.
Bobbe Wood, CEO of
the Heart and Stroke Foundation of B.C. & Yukon, added her
support for the initiative. "Physical inactivity is a
significant risk factor in heart disease and stroke. We must get our
children more active in order to prevent the early onset of these
devastating conditions. This initiative will help that happen,"
says Wood.
While sports and
recreation keep children physically healthy, engaging in the arts
keeps their minds in good shape, says Clark. "There is ample
evidence that children's involvement in the arts improves problem
solving, reading, writing and math skills," she says.
The executive
director of Arts Umbrella, Canada's Arts Institute for Young People,
agrees. "By providing children and youth with access to
high-quality arts education, we are helping them develop their
creativity and appreciation for the arts; they are the citizens of
the future," says Lucille Pacey. "A tax credit will lower
costs for parents and make it easier for more families to get
involved."
One parent who has
long advocated for this change is Sharon Mack of Port Moody. "I
have one child. My costs for enrolling Shanel in extra-curricular
sports and arts will be $1,800 this year. A tax credit is one way
that the government can encourage and recognize the financial
commitment BC families like mine make to help keep their children
fit and active."
Municipal Councils
across BC are being lobbied by local groups to pass supporting
resolutions.
Clark has also
started and on-line petition to allow British Columbians to register
their support for the idea. The petition can be accessed at www.christyclark.net.
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