Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Ottawa – Jay Hill, Official Opposition House Leader and Member of Parliament for Prince George-Peace River, said today he is thrilled the federal Liberal government has finally capitulated by implementing in the 2005 federal budget his private member’s legislation to provide parents a tax break for adoption expenses.

“For four years I have been fighting this battle to have the Canadian tax system reflect the tremendous contribution to society made by adoptive parents and adoption in general,” said Hill. “To see the overall provisions of C-246 written into the budget is one of the most rewarding moments I have ever experienced as a Member of Parliament.

“I‘ve always said it didn’t matter whether it was my bill or some form of government legislation that got the job done. All that matters is that the incredible financial burden that adoptive parents willingly accept to give a child a family and a home has been lightened.”

The 2005 budget provides for a non-refundable tax credit of up to $10,000 for amounts paid for specified adoption expenses. Private adoption in Canada can cost between $10,000 and $15,000 and international adoptions can cost as much as $30,000 or more. While Hill’s private member’s bill had called for the tax break to be retroactive to the two previous taxation years, the Liberals have limited their tax credit to commence in the 2005 taxation year.

“It’s unfortunate that thousands of parents who have recently adopted will not benefit from this new tax credit. Ironically, if it weren’t for the assistance and support I have received from those same parents, along with social workers, adoption agencies and others, throughout the past few years, it’s unlikely the government would have ever considered this tax provision. I would like to extend to them my sincerest gratitude.”

Hill concluded, “This is an extremely heart-warming event for me when I think about the thousands of Canadian parents and children who so deserve this recognition and fairness under our tax laws. At this very moment, there are children out there whose chances for a better life have just been dramatically improved.”

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For more information, please contact:
Jay Hill, M.P. (613) 947-4524 or (250) 787-119