At Orangetheory, we’re all about being stronger, together. So, our local, independently owned studios and other fitness centres, studios, and gyms joining together to support a new FEDERAL ADULT FITNESS TAX DEDUCTION. An adult fitness tax deduction would make it easier for Canadians to invest in their health & fitness, while also signaling a renewed support for the fitness industry and your local fitness studio.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, between 20% - 40% of previously active gym-goers have stopped exercising all together. This pandemic has taken a tremendous toll on our countries physical & mental health. Without action, the impact on our future health & wellness could be significant.
The federal government is currently reviewing the proposed Fitness Tax Deduction bill and are expected to make a decision by early April. The time to make your voice heard and show your support is NOW, before the federal government releases their updated budget.
If we are successful in advocating for the tax deduction, you could save between 15% - 33% on your membership dues annually. Additionally, promoting a healthier population in the long run will save Canadian’s billions of dollars in future health care expenditures.
We’re here for you, so help us lift up the fitness industry. Let’s take this effort to an All Out.
Contact your local MP and ask them to support an adult fitness tax deduction. It takes just a few seconds — just follow the 2 simple steps below:
Step 1: Find Your Local MP
The button below will take you to the Members of Parliament directory. Search for your MP by entering your postal code in the search bar at the top right (it might take a few seconds, but your current MP will automatically appear in a list below the search bar). Click on your current MP, which will direct you to their profile page. Click the "Contact" tab. Then, COPY their email address.
Step 2: Contact Your MP Using The Email Below
Once you have found your MP's email address, you simply need to send them a short message showing your support for a Fitness Tax Deduction. We have included a sample template for you to reference, or you may draft your own personalized message.
SUBJECT LINE: Allowing fitness services to be claimed as a medical expense
Dear Mr./Ms. <lastname>, MP:
The health of Canadians is in jeopardy. The fitness industry has been devastated by COVID-19. Many fitness professionals are unemployed or under employed.
However, there is a solution that will address all three of these issues.
Healthcare costs in Canada can be reduced and prevented by allowing fitness services to be tax deductible in our personal taxes. This option already exists as line 33099. It is a simple matter of making athletic and fitness service fees ELIGIBLE under this line.
Exercise plays a vital role in the physical and mental health of Canadians, which is currently at an all time low. Physical activity and exercise prevent ailments such as hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes. These are some of the top comorbidities of COVID-19. Exercise also has the power to treat forms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. With a tax deduction on fitness services, Canadians will be motivated to get the extra support they need for preventative care. Healthy individuals are less likely to be hospitalized – making fitness services imperative to the management and prevention of chronic disease.
Currently, Canadians get tax deductions for visiting the dentist as well as for purchasing Vitamin B12 – these are examples of preventative contributions to our health. If these expenses are considered medical expenses and cost deductible, why aren’t fitness services?
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the lockdown of gyms and fitness studios has been devastating. Many facilities were forced to shut down completely, and those that have been able to operate have done so at 10% to 50% of pre-COVID revenue. This has not only been harmful for fitness businesses, but also for Canadians’ accessibility and commitment to their personal wellness.
This tax deduction will not only support the health of Canadians, but it will also help to rebuild the fitness industry and the economy. The fitness industry employs over 150,000 Canadians who serve over six million members. Fitness professionals are a resource when it comes to supporting health care.
<INCLUDE YOUR OWN INFORMATION. FOR MEMBERS: How has the pandemic impacted your life? How has the current access to fitness services been a challenge for you? Why is having the extra support that fitness services provide beneficial? What would having a tax deduction on fitness services mean to you?>
The proposal to include fitness services as a tax deduction and claimed as a medical expense has been presented to Deputy Prime Minister / Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and is being considered for the 2021 budget.
The movement has the potential to create drastic social and economical change – something that you can be proud to be a part of. With the sincere belief that this will have profound and immediate benefits for Canadians, I request that you consider advocating for this solution to Canada’s healthcare crisis.
Please view the press release on the fitness industry’s request here.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
<your name>
<your contact information>
