November 02, 2010
Conservative government supports our veterans and with ‘poppy tax’ relief
“Our Government is pleased to provide this tax relief to support the Remembrance Day Poppy Campaign” said Benoit. “Currently, the Royal Canadian Legion has to pay GST when it purchases poppies from private sector suppliers. Our action to remove the GST recognizes the special status of poppies and wreaths as symbols of the contribution, courage and sacrifices of those brave men and women who serve and have served in Canada’s armed forces.”
Benoit explained that the change will restore the tax relief that essentially existed for poppies and wreaths until the previous government removed it in 1996. “The ‘poppy tax’ meant a portion of the donations that Canadians made every year on Remembrance Day did not benefit the Legion and our Veterans. That was wrong, and I am glad our Government is restoring this tax relief and helping our Veterans in this small way.”
The proposed rebate would be retroactive to January 1, 2010 to cover any sales tax on the current year’s poppies and wreaths acquired by the Royal Canadian Legion.
“Our Conservative Government is providing this tax relief so that the Legion can continue to honour the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom” concluded Benoit. “It is a small gesture to honour the enormous sacrifices of the brave Canadians who have served under the maple leaf.”
