moved for leave to introduce Bill C-280, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (golfing expenses).
Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to introduce my bill which would make green fees deductible as a business expense. We all know the old adage that says, “more business gets done on the golf course than in the boardroom”. There is more to that than meets the eye.
As most members of the House already know, the golf industry in Canada is driven by small business owners. The people who own and run the local courses and employ thousands of Canadians contribute a tremendous amount to our economy.
It is acceptable for a business to deduct a portion of the costs of a Leafs game or a steak dinner as an expense when entertaining clients. It is only fair that a round of golf should be in the same category. The U.S. and the United Kingdom tax codes allow for this deduction. It is high time we allowed it in Canada as well.
I hope other hon. members will look favourably upon the bill.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)