NEWS: News Release
December 2, 2007
Ontario’s “Get Active” Tax Break Begins In December
Healthy Gift Option For the Holidays
TORONTO – Just in time for holiday shopping, Ontario consumers will benefit from a Retail Sales Tax (RST) exemption on the purchase of qualifying bicycles, bicycle helmets and related safety equipment, announced Minister of Health Promotion, Margarett Best.
“The removal of the RST will encourage more Ontarians to purchase bikes and helmets which will help them to get more active,” said Best. “I am pleased that the McGuinty government is removing barriers for Ontario families and encouraging safe participation in recreational activities.”
The Ontario government will exempt bicycles costing $1,000 or less, along with bicycle helmets and other related safety equipment, from retail sales tax (RST), effective December 1, 2007.
“By making bikes and their related safety gear a little more affordable, our RST exemption helps to promote a clean, efficient and healthy mode of transportation,” said Finance Minister Dwight Duncan. “Whether you’re biking with family for fun, commuting, competing or making deliveries, these savings will help Ontarians stretch their dollars toward healthier lifestyles.”
The McGuinty government is working to help all Ontarians to live healthier lives by becoming more active. Through the Active2010 Strategy, the government is building a culture of physical activity in Ontario and is also working to reduce the frequency, severity and impact of preventable injury in the province through Ontario’s Injury Prevention Strategy, launched earlier this year.
"We are very excited about the RST exemption as it directly impacts youth and families that participate in our cycling programs,” said Derek MacNeil, Youth Program Coordinator, the Ontario Cycling Association. “Easing access to programs such as CANBIKE, BMX and Sprockids, has positive effects on the health of our children, families and communities. We look forward to seeing the results of this incentive on Ontario's cycling community."
Providing a point-of-sale RST exemption for bicycles and bicycle helmets is just one of the ways the McGuinty government is helping Ontarians to stay healthy. Other initiatives include:
- The Ontario Safe Sport Helmet initiative which educates Ontario’s children and youth about the importance of wearing a helmet when participating in sports and recreational activities
- Creating the Ontario Trails Strategy to develop a world-class trails system
- Creating Ontario’s Healthy Eating, Active Living Strategy to improve the health of all Ontarians
- The Communities In Action Fund, which is working to improve opportunities for community sport and physical activity across the province.
For more information about the RST exemption, please contact the nearest Ontario Ministry of Revenue Tax Office listed under Taxes - Provincial (Retail) Sales Tax in the blue pages of your telephone directory, at www.rev.gov.on.ca, or contact the Ministry of Information Centre at 1 800 263-7965.
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Retail Sales Tax Exemption for Bicycles and Related Safety Equipment
For further information:
Scott Blodgett
Ministry of Finance
Communications
416-325-0324
Guy Bethell
Minister’s Office
Ministry of Health Promotion
Office: 416-326-8495
Cell: 647-261-3223
Julie Rosenberg
Communications Branch
Ministry of Health Promotion
416-326-4833
