Industry Applauds Bill Reducing Golf's Tax Handicap

VICTORIA, Feb. 17, 2012 /CNW/ - The National Allied Golf Associations (NAGA) applauds the introduction of legislation designed to correct an unfair and outdated tax policy that hurts golf businesses. The bill, C-397, was introduced by Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca MP Randall Garrison and is entitled "An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (golfing expenses)".

"For the Canadian golf industry, which is now facing the most competitive marketplace in history, an inequitable tax legislation is not a tolerable disadvantage for the nearly 350,000 Canadians employed in the industry," said Gary Bernard, NAGA Chair. "NAGA and its member organizations have worked hard to reach out to the federal government in efforts to close this loophole and establish tax fairness for Canada's golf industry."

Due to a 1971 tax reform, the Canada Revenue Agency does not currently allow deductions for expenses incurred by business people entertaining clients at golf courses. Canada's golf courses, most of which are small business operators, are forced to compete on an uneven playing field for entertainment dollars. Over time, the unfairness of this discrimination against the golf industry has become more and more significant. Bill C-397 rights this wrong and provides greater tax fairness for Canada's golf industry. Mr. Garrison has been a member of the Federal Government's All Party Golf Caucus since the fall of 2011, and this Bill is a great indicator on the Caucus' dedication to Canada's golf industry.

Local golf industry professionals and politicians formally recognized Mr. Garrison's bill with a luncheon at Olympic View Golf Club, a golf facility in the area.  Attending NAGA representatives enthusiastically showcased their support for Mr. Garrison's initiative, which is an important step in establishing greater tax fairness for Canada's golf industry.

"C-397 is an important first step that will help to relieve some of the pressure on our members," continued Bernard. "The golf industry is worth more than $11 billion per year to the Canadian economy, and we are happy to see steps taken towards tax fairness for our industry. It's high time that a golf handicap be on the course, not in the tax code."

NAGA is a national golf organization comprised of the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA), Canadian Professional Golfers Association (CPGA), Canadian Society of Club Managers (CSCM), Canadian Professional Golf Tour (CPGT), National Golf Course Owners Association Canada (NGCOA) and the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), dedicated to improving all sectors of golf in Canada. Formed in 1999, NAGA's objective is to work cooperatively together as industry leaders ensuring a strong future for golf in Canada.  For more information on NAGA, please visit www.canadagolfs.ca.

Cynthia Waldmeier, NAGA Public Affairs
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Cell: 613-447-1543
Email: [email protected]