December 15, 2016
LINDSAY: Local MP Jamie Schmale is encouraging constituents to sign a petition calling on the Minister of Finance to ensure family-run campgrounds are granted “active business status” in order for campground operators to be able to claim the small business tax deduction.
The Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) in recent decisions has classified a number of campgrounds as ‘specified investment businesses’ which as a result, makes them ineligible for small business tax deductions.
“Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock has many communities and businesses that are tourism focused. Family-run campgrounds help attract tourists and grow our local economy,” said Schmale. “Camping is a Canadian past time that families have enjoyed for generations and if we do not take action many campgrounds are at risk of closing or laying off staff.”
The Liberal government is unfairly targeting campground owners for being “too small” to be eligible for a small business tax deduction. Campgrounds with less than five employees will end up paying more than three times as much tax as other small businesses.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the Canadian economy, but this government continues to disregard their importance to communities,” said Schmale. “I encourage all residents to sign and help gather signatures for this petition to help campground owners and job creators that need our support.
The petition is available here: https://jamieschmale.ca/petition/
“As the Member of Parliament for Haliburton- Kawartha Lakes- Brock I will continue to fight for small businesses and business owners,” said Schmale. “We need to promote these small campgrounds and businesses that are job creators and economic drivers in our communities.”
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For more information contact:
Jamie Schmale, MP
(705) 324-2400 or (866) 688-9881