Close X
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
ADVT 
National

NDP calls for caregiver credit to be refundable

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 16 Mar, 2023 12:25 PM
  • NDP calls for caregiver credit to be refundable

OTTAWA - New Democrats are calling on the federal government to follow through with its promise to make a tax credit for caregivers a refundable benefit.

NDP MP Bonita Zarrillo, who is the party's critic for disability inclusion, sent a letter to Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland on Wednesday calling for the change in the upcoming federal budget.

Individuals who are supporting a spouse, common-law partner or dependant with a physical or mental impairment can currently claim the credit against the federal taxes they owe.

The change would make the credit available as a benefit, regardless of whether or not they owe taxes.

"Caregiving is the backbone of Canadian society – and its economy. But we are at a breaking point for caregivers as the health-care crisis puts growing pressure on families to care for their loved ones," Zarrillo wrote in her letter.

The mandate letter that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gave Freeland after the 2021 election had tasked her with converting the Canada caregiver credit to a refundable tax-free benefit.

Converting the credit to a refundable benefit would allow caregivers to receive up to $1,250 a year.

Earlier this month, the House of Commons finance committee included the measure in a list of recommendations to the government ahead of the budget, which is set for March 28.

MORE National ARTICLES

B.C. wife of ISIS fighter released on bail

B.C. wife of ISIS fighter released on bail
Under the bail conditions, Polman is prohibited from possessing a cellphone or any other device capable of connecting to the internet, and from driving any motorized vehicle. She cannot possess any documents related to a terrorist group or leave B.C. without the consent of her bail supervisor, and she must be electronically monitored and abide by a 9 p.m. curfew.

B.C. wife of ISIS fighter released on bail

Food bank usage hit all-time high: report

Food bank usage hit all-time high: report
The report, which looked at data from more than 4,750 food banks and community organizations, said the skyrocketing cost of food and housing, as well as high inflation and lowsocial assistance rates, have contributed to the rise in food bank usage. Kirstin Beardsley, the CEO of Food Banks Canada, called the numbers "devastating."

Food bank usage hit all-time high: report

Federal deficit comes in lower than expected

Federal deficit comes in lower than expected
According to public accounts documents released Thursday, the federal deficit for the 2021-22 fiscal year was less than expected because of Canada's strong economic recovery from the pandemic and the winding-down of pandemic supports. The federal deficit was $90.2 billion, while the 2022 budget projected it would come in at $113.8 billion.

Federal deficit comes in lower than expected

New B.C. premier David Eby to be sworn in Nov. 18

New B.C. premier David Eby to be sworn in Nov. 18
The Office of the Premier says in a news release that the ceremony to make Eby B.C.'s 37th premier will take place at Government House, with further details to be provided soon. Eby became premier-designate last week after being acclaimed as leader of the New Democrats, about four months after Horgan announced his impending retirement for health reasons.

New B.C. premier David Eby to be sworn in Nov. 18

Bridgeport Road closed in Richmond

Bridgeport Road closed in Richmond
Bridgeport Road is closed, between Viking Way and No. 6 Road, due to downed hydro lines. Traffic is being diverted.  BC Hydro is en route. 

Bridgeport Road closed in Richmond

Senate committee calls for B.C. flooding plan

Senate committee calls for B.C. flooding plan
Last November, historic rainfall caused flooding of 15,000 hectares of land, affecting more than 1,000 farms and 2.5 million livestock, washing out highway and railway infrastructure, and causing an estimated $285 million in damage.  

Senate committee calls for B.C. flooding plan