Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, May 27, 2013
2013-075
The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, today urged Canadians to take advantage of the Harper Government’s new First-Time Donor’s Super Credit and donate to a charitable organization.
Speaking at Lutherwood, a not-for-profit health and social service organization serving the Waterloo Region and Wellington County, Minister Flaherty said, “Throughout our nation’s history, Canadians have worked together to serve others, and have made Canada a better place in the process. Our Government wants to see that noble tradition continue, which is why Economic Action Plan 2013 builds on previous actions by our Government to support families and communities, and the quality of life for hard-working Canadians.”
These initiatives include the Registered Disability Savings Plan, the Family Caregiver Tax Credit and the Enabling Accessibility Fund, which supports the capital costs of construction and renovations to improve physical accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Minister Flaherty stated, “The new First-Time Donor’s Super Credit will significantly enhance the attractiveness of donating to a charity for young and new Canadians who are in a position to make donations for the first time. By helping to rejuvenate and expand the charitable sector’s donor base, this important initiative will have an immediate impact in supporting the charitable sector.”
The credit will apply on cash donations of up to $1,000, claimed in any one taxation year from 2013 to 2017. It will increase the value of the existing Charitable Donations Tax Credit by 25 percentage points, if neither the taxpayer nor their spouse has claimed the credit since 2007.
Kitchener-Waterloo MP Peter Braid, a champion for such worthy causes, added, “Canadians are some of the most generous people in the world when it comes to giving time and money to charity, and our Government is committed to supporting that spirit.”
“The Super Credit is a very positive step for charities wanting to engage new donors. We are excited by the possibilities and eager to continue working with the federal government to explore innovative ways to expand charitable giving by all Canadians,” said Marcel Lauzière, President and CEO of Imagine Canada.
Kathleen Perchaluk
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Finance
613-996-7861
Jack Aubry
Media Relations
Department of Finance
613-996-8080
