A dedicated resource hub for Bill C-410, specifically designed to support campground owners as they navigate the implications of this important legislation. Here, you will find comprehensive tools, guidelines, and advocacy materials to help you understand and actively participate in impacting the legislative process. Our aim is to empower you with the knowledge and resources needed to effectively support and benefit from the proposed changes in the Income Tax Act that recognize campgrounds as active businesses.
Small family owned Private Campgrounds in Canada continue to advocate the Federal Government to endorse change in the current Income Tax Act or enact other legislative measures that clearly distinguish small family run campgrounds with less than 5 full time employees year round as an “active business” and thus eligible for the small business tax deduction.
Despite the robust economic impact figures, owning a Private Campground is generally not considered a lucrative business. With most being family operated, owners must work up to 15 hours a day, 7 days a week during May-October on an average camping season of 152 days for their business to survive.
The current classification of a Private Campground employing less than 5 full-time employees year-round is a Passive “Specified Investment Business” as opposed to an “Active Business” in the Income Tax Act. This makes operating the business much more financially challenging for the owner who is consistently under the threat of a potential 50% Tax Rate as opposed to automatically qualifying for the small business tax deduction of approximately 15% (a qualification that other small family run operations would unquestionably qualify for annually).
Campgrounds are encouraged to use the provided template letter of support as a foundational tool to craft personalized messages to their Members of Parliament, urging them to support the upcoming Private Members Bill C-410.
This proactive communication is vital as it allows campground owners to articulate the specific challenges they face under the current tax classification and to highlight how the proposed legislative changes will benefit their operations and the broader community.
By detailing your unique experiences and explaining the direct impacts of the existing tax policy on your business, campground owners can create compelling arguments that resonate with lawmakers. Personal stories can illustrate the real-world consequences of policies and emphasize the need for change, making a strong case for legislative support.
Engaging MPs directly not only underscores the importance of the issue but also strengthens the collective voice of the industry in advocating for a fair and sustainable tax environment.
Campgrounds can empower their guests to take an active role in advocacy by providing them with template letters that they can personalize and send to their respective Members of Parliament. This direct approach allows campers to share their individual experiences and express how the changes proposed in Bill C-410 would enhance their camping experiences, contributing to a more robust and equitable recreational environment. By sending these letters, guests can make a personal appeal to their MPs, stressing the importance of fair tax policies from a consumer perspective, which adds a valuable dimension to the advocacy efforts.
Additionally, campgrounds can facilitate a group petition on-site, inviting guests to sign during their stay. This logistically simple measure can be highly effective, as it gathers collective support in a physical document, demonstrating broad backing for Bill C-410. Setting up a designated area for this purpose, such as the check-in desk or a central gathering spot, makes it convenient for guests to participate. The physical presence of a petition filled with signatures can serve as a compelling visual indicator of widespread support, reinforcing the community’s united stance when presented to MPs.
The advocacy toolkit created for supporting Bill C-410 is an invaluable resource for campground owners and industry stakeholders, designed to streamline and enhance their efforts to advocate for fair tax treatment under the Income Tax Act. This comprehensive toolkit includes a variety of strategically developed materials tailored to maximize impact, such as:
The toolkit not only equips members with the necessary tools to conduct successful advocacy but also helps unify the messaging across the industry, ensuring consistency and professionalism in all communications. It is crucial for members to use this toolkit as it enhances their ability to effectively influence legislative outcomes that directly impact their businesses and the broader campground industry.
We strongly encourage all members to download these resources to participate actively in our collective advocacy efforts. By using this toolkit, you can help drive forward the necessary changes that will benefit campgrounds across the nation. Visit our website to access and download the advocacy toolkit today, and join us in making a significant impact!