Thank you.
I have a question and a comment. My question is on the tax credit. I realize that the purpose is to encourage people to participate in physical activities, but I do not think it is helping the most disadvantaged members of our society, because this is a non-refundable tax credit. That means that one has to pay taxes. Therefore, those who do not pay any taxes will not be able to benefit from this tax credit. It will not serve as an incentive for the most disadvantaged people, those who do not have the means to pay for physical activities.
A committee was established for the purpose of analyzing the eligibility criteria for this program. I am told that this is a difficult process that will end up being costly. Can you tell us how feasible your tax credit is and how likely it is to achieve its goals? That is my first question.
My comment relates to the ParticipACTION program. Stanford University conducted a study on the increase in obesity amongst children at the time that program was in effect. They noted that child obesity increased by 300 per cent.
Can we conclude that this program was effective in preventing obesity amongst children if, during that time, there was a 300 per cent increase in obesity?
I do not think that the tax credit benefits our most vulnerable sectors, that is, communities that do not necessarily have the money to pay for the physical activities that ParticipACTION focussed on.
Thank you, Minister.