Imagine being a member of a gym in St. John’s, Newfoundland, where not only do you benefit from a supportive fitness community, improved physical and mental health, access to group classes and personal trainers, and nutritional guidance, but you can also write off your gym membership as a medical expense at tax time.
This is a reality in Newfoundland and Labrador, thanks to the Physical Activity Tax Credit introduced in 2021. However, in neighbouring provinces like New Brunswick or Prince Edward Island, or anywhere else in Canada, this is not the case.
The Physical Activity Tax Credit in Newfoundland and Labrador provides an annual, refundable tax credit of up to $2,000 per family for accessing sports and physical activities. This initiative was launched with the ambitious goal of making the province the healthiest in Canada by 2030. The credit serves as an incentive for families to engage in healthier lifestyles and also supports the local health and wellness industries.