Liberals hope to be teachers’ pet with proposed benefit

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This article was published 27/08/2015 (3666 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

MANITOBA teachers are delighted Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau has promised to give teachers a tax credit for classroom supplies they buy out of their own pockets.

Manitoba Teachers’ Society president Norm Gould said Wednesday teachers average $500 to $700 each year in essential supplies and materials that enhance their classrooms.

Trudeau’ unveiled the promise at a rally in Newmarket, Ont., Wednesday.

“Liberals will introduce a new teacher and early childhood educator school supply tax benefit, accessible to all teachers and early childhood educators.

“This refundable tax benefit will be available regardless of income level, and will provide a cash benefit of up to $150 annually, on up to $1,000 in school supplies and educational materials. The list of allowable expenses will draw on best practices in Prince Edward Island, which has already implemented a provincial school supply tax benefit,” the release said.

Gould said the Canadian Teachers Federation has been lobbying federal parties for years for a tax break for teachers.

“This is fantastic,” Gould said. “Certainly, our objective would be dollar for dollar,” though Trudeau’s pledge is a good start.

Gould said classroom teachers have a stash of supplies for kids who can’t afford or who lose essentials such as pens and notebooks. They’ll have granola bars and drinks in their desks, and ensure the classroom always has a box of tissues all year long.

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Teachers also pay for enhancements that benefit students, such as multiplication tables and alphabets to be posted on the classroom walls.

“You can get physics charts and periodic tables,” he pointed out.

Gould said teachers have not yet lobbied provincial governments for a similar break, but that could be next.

— Nick Martin