One Step Closer to an Adult Fitness Tax Credit
FIC Travels to Washington and Ottawa
| EDMONTON – On May 20, Brian Gilbank, association manager for Fitness Industry Council of Canada (FIC), flew to Washington D.C. to attend the International Health Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) 6th Annual Legislative Summit. This is a two-day event where IHRSA members, club owners and suppliers lobby their members of congress and staff regarding their concerns and promote their fitness initiatives.
FIC travelled to Washington to compare strategies and share information regarding effective lobbying techniques and tactics. While the Canadian and US political systems are very different, the essential tact and goal of lobbying remains the same. It is essential that FIC have the most effective tools at our disposal to garner the greatest impact when we are meeting with representatives of the Canadian government. |
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On May 27, FIC president Dave Hardy and Brian Gilbank, travelled to Ottawa to attend political meetings regarding FIC’s proposal to extend the current federal Children’s Fitness Tax Credit to include adults.
The response to these meetings was overwhelmingly positive, indicating that support for the credit’s implementation has grown dramatically from within all political parties since FIC’s last visit to Ottawa in 2007.
One of the major highlights of the trip occurred when FIC met with Steven Fletcher, Member of Parliament for Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia and parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Health, Tony Clement.
After the presentation, Mr. Fletcher immediately pledged his support for the campaign and agreed to become FIC’s chief advocate. Mr. Fletcher also asked FIC to make a presentation, regarding the benefits of the Adult Fitness Tax Credit at the next Conservative Health Caucus in the fall.
During a meeting with Monika LeRoy, executive assistant and policy analyst from the Office of the Prime Minister Office, FIC was informed that the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit was one of the government’s most well received initiatives by the Canadian public. And with its popularity, there is a good chance the Conservative Party of Canada will include an Adult Fitness Tax Credit as an election platform in the next federal election.
Finally, FIC also held meetings with related associations, including the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute and the Canadian Hypertension Society, to continue to build the strongest coalition possible for the Implementation of an Adult Fitness Tax Credit.
FIC would like to thank Manuel Arango from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada for attending FIC’s meetings with Ms. Dani Shaw and Monika LeRoy. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada has been instrumental in supporting FIC’s Adult Fitness Tax Credit Campaign.
FIC also thanks its members. Without your support, FIC could not have made the great strides it has to date.
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