February 8, 2005 – Alberta is considering offering a tax credit to its residents who, on a regular basis, work out in a “gym” or participate in a recreational activity. If the initiative were to see the light of day, Alberta would be the first Canadian province to adopt such a public health measure.
This idea is that of Iris Evans, the new Minister of Health. His motivation: to encourage Albertans to adopt preventive measures against illness in order to reduce their recourse to the health system. Last year, 88% of Alberta’s population accessed health care.
However, Minister Evans’ public health goals are broader. It plans to have a program adopted that would also offer financial incentives to companies that acquire infrastructure or means allowing their employees to exercise. Another tax credit could even be granted to those who, after a visit to the doctor, would be considered to be in good health. Another goal of Iris Evans: to completely ban smoking in Alberta. This last measure, however, does not have the support of Prime Minister Ralph Klein.
Nevertheless, he was open to the incentives and tax credits offered by his Minister of Health. But if the idea seems to gain more and more support, some express some reservations. Indeed, fitness experts argue that it will take more than monetary measures to change people’s behaviors. In addition, these measures may only benefit the better-off, who are more inclined to exercise than the poorest.
Others believe that it is necessary to think in the longer term and in a more global way, in particular by modifying urban plans so that the built environment favors physical activity.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation considers Minister Evans’ intention to be laudable, but it is part of a logic of control over the lives of citizens to which it cannot subscribe. Its spokesperson, John Carpay, takes this logic by wondering if, after physical activity, we will come to offer such tax treatment to those who eat healthily.
Martin LaSalle – PasseportSanté.net
From The Globe and Mail and The Canadian Press.
