This bill was last introduced in the 39th Parliament, 2nd Session, which ended in September 2008.
This bill was previously introduced in the 39th Parliament, 1st Session.
Peter Stoffer NDP
Introduced as a private member’s bill. (These don’t often become law.)
Outside the Order of Precedence (a private member's bill that hasn't yet won the draw that determines which private member's bills can be debated), as of Oct. 16, 2007
(This bill did not become law.)
This is from the published bill. The Library of Parliament often publishes better independent summaries.
The purpose of this enactment is to expand the list of allowable medical expense deductions in the Income Tax Act to include expenses incurred for a herbal remedy prescribed as a substitute for a prescription drug that would qualify as a medical expense under that Act, but which a person cannot use because he or she has severe allergies or sensitivities to that drug.
All sorts of information on this bill is available at LEGISinfo, an excellent resource from the Library of Parliament. You can also read the full text of the bill.
Peter Stoffer NDP Sackville—Eastern Shore, NS
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-255, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (herbal remedies).
Mr. Speaker, as we know, many people are allergic to sulpha-based drugs or are unable to take them for medicinal purposes. The bill asks that anyone prescribed a herbal alternative by a licensed physician be allowed to claim that as a medical expense.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)