OTTAWA – “As constituents prepare their 2011 tax returns, I wanted to take the opportunity to remind them of some of the tax cuts they can now take advantage of, thanks to this Conservative Government,” stated Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville-Wainwright.
“I was very pleased when Budget 2011 announced a 15-per-cent non-refundable Volunteer Firefighters Tax Credit of $3,000 for volunteer firefighters,” explained Benoit. “This amount can be claimed by those who perform at least 200 hours of service for their communities throughout the year. And, eligible volunteer firefighters who currently receive honoraria in respect of their duties are able to choose between the new tax credit or continuing to be entitled to the existing tax exemption of up to $1,000 for honoraria”
“Additionally, families can claim up to $500 per child in eligible fees under the New Children’s Arts Tax Credit,” said Benoit. “Eligible programs include those associated with arts, culture, recreation and development activities.”
“Small business owners should ensure that they are taking full advantage of the Hiring Credit for Small Businesses that we implemented in Budget 2011,” stated Benoit. “This is a temporary one-time credit of up to $1,000 against a small firm’s increase in its 2011 Employment Insurance (EI) premiums over those paid in 2010. This new credit is expected to have helped up to 525,000 employers defray the costs of additional hiring.”
Benoit pointed out that statistics show 610,000 net new jobs have been created since July 2009 (over 90% of them full-time jobs). “These are encouraging signs that our economy is on the right track for Canadian families,” he said. “But, clearly, more needs to be done. We all know Canada is not immune to global economic turbulence – especially in the United States and Europe. That’s why the upcoming Economic Action Plan 2012 will remain focused on helping create more jobs for today and tomorrow with prudent pro-economic growth measures.”
“While we’re focused on growing Canada’s economy with our low-tax and pro-trade plan, the Liberals and NDP support a high-tax, high-spending, and anti-trade agenda that would cripple Canada’s economy and kill Canadian jobs,” concluded Benoit.
