Liberal MPP Stephen Blais (Orléans) has introduced a private member’s bill named the Prioritizing Leisure Activities for Youth Act (PLAY), aiming to offer financial support to families and promote children’s physical activity post-pandemic.
The bill suggests a non-refundable tax credit of up to $1,000 for a wide range of activities, from sports like hockey and basketball to pursuits such as piano lessons and drama classes. Blais emphasized the necessity to address the affordability crisis faced by families, enabling children to access essential extracurricular experiences despite financial constraints.
“Families are facing an affordability crisis that we haven’t experienced in a generation — families of all shapes and sizes, of all income levels, are looking for ways to save,” Blais stated alongside Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie at Queen’s Park.
The proposed amendment to the Taxation Act aims to encourage children’s participation in extracurricular activities, acknowledging the crucial role such engagements play in fostering both mental and physical well-being.
Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie highlighted the detrimental impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children’s health and emphasized the importance of facilitating access to extracurricular activities, particularly as families grapple with increasing financial pressures.
Notably, between 2010 and 2016, a similar tax credit for children’s activities was in place under the former Liberal government, encompassing sports, tutoring, chess, public speaking, language instruction, and summer camps.
While private member’s bills from opposition parties often face challenges in becoming legislation, Blais has previously succeeded in prompting government action. His efforts to address municipal politician accountability were met with government promises to introduce related legislation following public outcry and pressure from various organizations.