Tax-deductible gym memberships?
In the absence of having the courage to propose broad-based tax cuts (to save a buck on the GST, I'll have to spend $100, then wait a year to save another buck), the Tories have decided to play pick and choose with who gets a tax reduction. Parents (especially those with kids in sports), students, and bus riders are going to be the big winners in Harper's Liberal-lite lottery. However, if he's going play favourites, a proposal to make gym memberships tax-deductible is something I could really get behind.
Providing tax incentives to get more people into the gym and taking a better interest in their health is crucial. Obesity rates are skyrocketing and are going to be a massive drain on the public purse as people who are overweight develop diseases such as diabetes. Often, getting fit can be cost-prohibitive for some and so they don't take that very important first step to getting active. Making it more affordable for everyone to get their ass into the gym is a great incentive for people to do so, and the long-term benefits to society would be numerous. I hope that Harper, if he wins, follows through.
posted by Road Hammer @ 11:20 AM
2 comments
2 Comments:
I agree with the need to get people in shape for the country's long term good. That's one reason I think the Tory idea of giving tax breaks for kids involved in organized sports was a good one. Sports not only help kids develop an interest in health, but it also helps them understand the importance of follow through and notletting teammates down. It sounds hokey buy I honestly think it will help crime rates too.
The gym membership idea was launched early on by the Tories and I for one loved it. There is only upside to this promise and I think it helped get the ball rolling for the Tories.
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