HST on fitness just promotes obesity

• Obesity • May 31, 10

The implementation of the HST will do two things. The first will be the fattening of the government accounts. The second will be the increase in obesity of both children and adults or possibly some other illness due to lack of activity.

How is this possible, you might ask? First, we all need to understand that many of us do not have easy access to parks or a large enough yard to play in with our kids, so we sign them up as well as ourselves for activities and gym memberships, anything that will help promote our health.

With all the job losses we have seen, many parents are struggling to afford these activities and now the government wants us to pay even more. Our government implemented the Children’s Fitness Tax in 2007, recognizing the need to promote health and fitness in our children.

I assume it was due to the many reports and studies by all the trusted physicians stating how inactivity leads to obesity and heart disease. Now, by increasing the tax on fitness memberships and registration fees, our government will be directly responsible for any and all cases of illness in our children as many will be removed from such activities due to cost.

The government knows that healthy people are not a burden on our health care system. So, I ask, what purpose does it serve to increase taxes on healthy activities? Who will benefit from this increase?

This is an excellent opportunity to repeal your decision to add the extra taxes to our fitness activities and lead the world by being proactive in the fight against obesity and any illness due to lack of fitness. I urge you to please grab hold of this opportunity now and lead us to a healthy future.

Bob Tellier,
Windsor