Camping, a long cherished Canadian pastime may be in jeopardy, thanks to a recent change of interpretation made by Canada Revenue Agency and the Federal Government that is threatening small campgrounds of a 300% taxation increase. This poorly thought out decision has far reaching financial effects on a local, regional, provincial and national level and is one that affects all Canadians.
IMPACT
Before the Government’s threat of a 300% tax increase on small Canadian owned campgrounds, approximately $7.6 billion dollars a year of tax revenue is generated from Camping in Canada.
Canada’s love of camping supports the equivalent of over 141,000 jobs across Canada.
22% of Canadians camp each summer season and contribute approximately $19.8 billion dollars of economic activity to the Canadian communities they visit.
Most Canadian campgrounds are family owned and operated small businesses that provide gateways to tourism for their communities and region on a seasonal basis.
The Government of Canada and Provincial Governments operate more than 1,000 campgrounds across the country, representing about 25% of the total campground market.
Camping is a popular family activity and especially popular with families whose incomes are less than $80,000 per year.
