Thank you.
As members of Parliament, I think all of us frequently have constituents speaking to us about their responsibilities in caring for infirm parents or relatives. This measure, which is in Bill C-13, addresses that challenge. It proposes to provide new support for caregivers of infirm dependent family members by introducing a new family caregiver tax credit.
Technically it is a 15% non-refundable credit on an amount of $2,000, to provide tax relief for caregivers of all types of infirm dependent relatives, including, for the first time, caring for spouses, common-law partners, and minor children.
Assuming it is passed by Parliament, the measure will apply for the 2012 taxation year and subsequent taxation years. It's estimated that over 500,000 caregivers will benefit from the tax credit, receiving $160 million in new annual support.
I hope you will support this measure in Bill C-13.