from across the province to call on the government to cut the proposed PST expansion and support the fitness industry still reeling from the pandemic with a tax incentive. “A 6% PST on gym memberships adds even more barriers to fitness and mental health,” said Young. “We should be encouraging people to reconnect and support local businesses. Instead, the Sask. Party is kicking the fitness industry when it’s down. Gyms shouldn’t foot the bill for this government’s pandemic and financial mismanagement.”
Members of the Legislative Assembly were joined today by Edward and Jolene de Vries of Esterhazy and Yorkton Anytime Fitness, Aubrey Shpaiuk of Main St. Strength in Moose Jaw, Jake Sinclair of Regina Anytime Fitness and Jon Shiplack of the Kinesiology Association of Saskatchewan. Business owners and advocates for the fitness industry have voiced their frustration over the government’s proposed tax hike. Today, they warned that the effects of the measure could ripple beyond cash-strapped businesses.
“The fitness tax will hurt cash-strapped people and businesses. We cannot afford to compromise our health and wellness at a time when our hospitals are stretched to the max,” said Edward. “Everyone I talk to is worried, and no one was consulted. I fear people will cancel their memberships, and it’s hard to blame them. Food, fuel, housing, everything is getting more expensive. At a time when the government should be making life easier, they’re making it harder.”
“The fitness industry is there to support our healthcare system,” added Jolene. “For every dollar invested in healthy eating and physical activity six dollars are saved in the cost of healthcare.”
The Official Opposition calls on the government of Saskatchewan to scrap the tax hike and introduce a tax incentive for the fitness industry.
-Media Release, NDP Caucus
