Winnipeggers want fitness tax relief in federal budget
The federal budget is expected to come with plenty of cost-cutting, but some Winnipeggers are hoping to see more tax relief for those living active lifestyles.
Nearly $7 billion in federal cuts are expected in this year's budget, which federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty will present on Thursday afternoon.
But Peggy Pendergast, who has been retired for 15 years, says she wants Thursday's budget to cover some of her active-living classes.
"They do it for kids, and so why not … do it for everyone, but certainly do it for seniors that have very limited incomes?" she told CBC News on Wednesday.
Pendergast said seniors' minds and bodies shut down when they cannot afford to take part in activities.
Meanwhile, Paula Dubiel and her husband have three children who are all heavily involved in sports, meaning thousands of dollars are coming out of their budget every year.
Dubiel said the current federal child fitness tax credit just does not cover enough.
"I would like to see tax credits towards the adults who are involved in sports and trying to live a healthier lifestyle," she said.
Dubiel said she would also like to see more money earmarked for children in low-income families to participate in sports.
