Child Activity Tax credit is a good investment

To the editor:

September is the beginning of the school year as well as the start of many recreational activities in our community.

I am delighted that the provincial government has announced the new Child Activity Tax credit which will be retroactive to January 1, 2010 once the proposed legislation is passed in the fall. I know the importance and value of encouraging our children to be involved in active healthy living and developing new interests.

The refundable tax credit will allow parents to claim up to $500 of eligible expenses per child to receive the tax credit of up to $50 per child or $100 for a child with a disability.

This program builds on the similar federal program but covers a wider range of activities including sports, music lessons, dramatic arts, guides, scouts, heritage language instruction and many other recreational activities.

It is a good investment in our youth.

- Donna Cansfield MPP, Etobicoke Centre