APRIL 29, 2008

       It’s tax time again and if you haven’t already filed, you’re like millions of other Canadians who just didn’t find it important enough to once again bring in the government and fess up about your income.

       This year while filling out the paperwork I noticed the child fitness tax credit. This change in the federal income tax came under fire when parents questioned what form of physical activities could be claimed for their children.

       The reason for this credit is because it’s said that getting kids involved in sports at an early age will financially benefit the health-care system later on down the road. It’s said these kids will have the lifelong interest in being physically active. Anything to keep kids healthy seems to be a priority for the government.

       Let’s think about my generation and the generation before me. I’m in my 20s and in the market to buy a treadmill and other workout equipment. I am not able to claim my physical recreation equipment as a tax deduction.

       I have no other use for a treadmill except for walking and running, why can’t I as an adult use this as a tax deduction when it comes to claiming my own physical activity?

       There can be no argument that a treadmill would be used for any other reason than for staying in shape. It’s not one of those grey areas like claiming a water bottle because you need it for working out, yet you could use it anytime of the day.

       As a grownup, I’m voluntarily staying in shape and purchasing healthy products, which in turn will have positive effects on the health-care system years from now. There doesn’t seem to be any recognition of that at the moment.

       Maybe in 40 years if I’m in the hospital, politicians will say, “He worked out when he was younger so it’s a good thing he’s not costing us as much now.”