Minister Encourages Nova Scotians to Take Advantage of Healthy Living Tax Credit

The Healthy Living Tax Credit gives Nova Scotians of all ages an added incentive to get more active in 2009.

Barry Barnet, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection, hosted an event today, Dec. 16, in Dartmouth to encourage Nova Scotians to get active and take advantage of the tax credit, which has been extended to include adults who participate in fitness activities.

"The expansion of the Healthy Living Tax Credit from children and youth to people of all ages is a critical step to help people make healthier life choices," said Mr. Barnet. "I encourage all Nova Scotians, as they approach the new year, to make a personal commitment to lead a healthier and more active lifestyle."

The expansion was announced as part of the 2008-09 budget.

Programs that qualify include any organized sport, physical recreation or physical activity program that is offered to the public by the government of Canada, the province of Nova Scotia or any municipal government within the province. A private or not-for-profit organization registered to do business in Nova Scotia is also eligible. This includes activities such as swimming lessons, dance classes, ski memberships, gym memberships, hockey registrations and many more.

Adults and children who sign up for registered sport and physical activity programs in 2009 will receive a 8.79 per cent credit off registration fees. To get the credit, they must keep and submit the receipt as part of their 2009 tax returns. They will then receive a maximum tax reduction $44 per person. The maximum expenditure per individual will be $500. Registration fee receipts must be dated on or after Jan. 1, 2009 for an adult to get the credit.

"Hockey is just one of many physical activities that people can register for and receive the tax credit," said Darren Cossar, executive director of Hockey Nova Scotia. "We're glad to see the government of Nova Scotia encouraging people to sign up and get more physically active."

A list of provincial sport organizations, member groups, organized sports and physical recreation and physical activity organizations that are registered for the tax credit is available at www.gov.ns.ca/hpp/HealthyLivingIncentive.html .

The Nova Scotia Healthy Living Tax Incentive was introduced in 2005, providing a credit for registrations of up to $150 in registration fees for eligible children's fitness activities. The maximum expense was increased to $500 in 2006.

It is estimated the tax credit will generate a savings of more than $8 million per year for active Nova Scotians.