A new Conservative government will reintroduce the Children’s Arts and Learning Tax Credit to allow parents to claim up to $1,000 per child, per year, so kids can get extra help studying a language or learning science, math, or coding, the Conservatives announced on Wednesday.

When Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau cancelled this credit, he hurt many new immigrant families who used it for language and learning programs. Under Trudeau, Canadian families are under pressure and worried about their future. Half of families are just $200 away from insolvency at the end of each month. Trudeau said he would help the middle class, but instead, he has made life more unaffordable, say the Conservatives.

A new Conservative government will introduce the Children’s Arts and Learning Tax Credit:

• Allow parents to claim up to $500 per child for expenses related to arts and educational activities;
• Make the credit refundable so low-income Canadians benefit most;
• Make it flexible, so children can get extra help studying a language or learning science, math or coding; and,
• Allow parents of children with disabilities to claim double the amount, up to $1,000 per child, per year.
• What is more, a new Conservative government will also introduce the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit:
• Allow parents to claim up to $1,000 per child for expenses related to fitness or sports-related activities;
• Make the credit refundable so low-income Canadians benefit most; and,
• Allow parents of children with disabilities to claim an additional $500 per child, per year.

The Conservatives note that life is expensive enough already without the government costing you more. Parents know all too well that kids come with costs. Arts and sports activities can be costly, but are so enriching, educational, and enjoyable.

“This election will come down to one question: Who do you trust to put more money in your pocket for you, for your family?” said Scheer. “I have a plan for all Canadians to get ahead, starting with families who work so hard while raising their kids.”

Quick Facts:

• In 2017, Trudeau falsely claimed “low-income families don’t benefit from tax breaks.” In fact, claimants of the two cancelled tax cuts came from all income tax brackets, and from every region of the country.
• Nearly 1.78 million Canadian families claimed at least one of two previously available tax credits (arts or fitness) in 2014 alone.
• That year, more than 698,000 Ontario families, more than 411,000 Quebec families, more than 223,000 B.C. families, and more than 217,000 families in Alberta benefitted from these credits.
• Some 210,000 families making $40,000 or less (i.e., households in the lowest income tax bracket) applied for and received these tax credits.