New Universal Tax Credit for Physical Activity for Parents of Children Under 18

The Parti Québécois (PCQ) has introduced a new policy proposal—a universal tax credit for physical activity aimed at parents of children under 18—as part of its platform led by former *Salut Bonjour* host Marcel Bouchard, who joined the party last month. The credit, which would provide financial support for fitness-related expenses, marks a shift in Quebec’s approach to public health funding, positioning it as the first major political party in Canada to explicitly tie physical activity incentives to childcare and family policy.

According to a June 30 policy briefing obtained by La Presse, the proposed credit would reimburse parents for costs associated with registered sports programs, gym memberships, and other structured physical activities for their children. While exact figures have not been released, sources familiar with the proposal suggest the credit could range between $200 and $500 per child annually, depending on eligibility thresholds. The policy would be funded through adjustments to existing tax brackets, with the PCQ arguing that physical activity is a critical component of childhood development and public health.

Marcel Bouchard, now serving as the PCQ’s health policy advisor, framed the initiative as a response to rising obesity rates among Quebec youth and declining participation in organized sports. “We know that physical activity is just as important as nutrition in shaping a child’s long-term health,” Bouchard told reporters during a press conference in Montreal. “But for many families, the cost of keeping kids active is a barrier. This credit would remove that obstacle while reinforcing our commitment to a healthier society.”

If implemented, the credit would align with broader trends in North American family policy, where cash transfers and tax incentives for child-related expenses—such as education or healthcare—have gained traction. However, it would distinguish itself by focusing specifically on physical activity, an area where Quebec has historically lagged behind other provinces in public funding. A 2025 report by the Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec (INSPQ) found that only 32% of Quebec children aged 5 to 17 meet the recommended daily physical activity guidelines, compared to a national average of 41%.

The proposal has drawn mixed reactions from stakeholders. The Fédération Québécoise du Sport Amateur (FQSA) praised the initiative, calling it a “necessary step” to support grassroots sports programs that have faced funding cuts in recent years. “Many community centers and local clubs operate on tight budgets,” said FQSA president Pierre Lavigne. “A tax credit would help parents afford registration fees and equipment, which is especially critical in lower-income neighborhoods.”

Critics, however, question whether the credit would be sufficient to address systemic barriers. The Réseau Action Climat Québec argued that the policy does not go far enough in promoting active transportation or outdoor play, two areas where Quebec trails other Canadian provinces. “A tax credit is a drop in the bucket compared to what’s needed to reverse the decline in physical activity among kids,” said climate policy analyst Élodie Morin. “We’d like to see investments in safe walking routes, school-based programs, and municipal infrastructure.”

Politically, the proposal could resonate with Quebec’s growing urban middle class, where concerns about childhood obesity and screen time have become election-year issues. The PCQ’s rival, the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), has not yet commented on the policy but has previously emphasized private-sector solutions for fitness initiatives, such as corporate wellness partnerships. The Parti Libéral du Québec (PLQ), meanwhile, has not released a detailed response, though sources suggest it may propose a similar but less generous credit in its next platform.

The timing of the announcement is significant. With Quebec’s next provincial election expected no later than fall 2027, parties are increasingly focusing on family-related policies to differentiate their platforms. The PCQ’s move follows a series of similar measures in other jurisdictions, including Ontario’s expanded child fitness grants and British Columbia’s recent expansion of recreational subsidies. Analysts suggest that if the PCQ’s credit gains traction, it could pressure other Canadian provinces to adopt comparable programs.

What remains unclear is how the credit would be structured in practice. Key questions include whether it would be means-tested, whether it would cover all forms of physical activity (e.g., swimming lessons, martial arts), and how it would interact with existing provincial subsidies for sports programs. The PCQ has not yet released a full cost-benefit analysis, though internal documents reviewed by Radio-Canada indicate that the party is exploring partnerships with private fitness chains to streamline reimbursement processes.

For parents already stretched thin by childcare costs, the proposal offers a potential lifeline. A 2026 survey by Léger Marketing found that 68% of Quebec parents cited financial constraints as the primary reason their children did not participate in organized sports. If the PCQ’s credit passes muster with voters, it could become a model for how political parties address public health through targeted tax incentives—a strategy that may soon spread beyond Quebec’s borders.