Conservative Leader Scheer to make maternity benefits tax-free

Andrew Scheer Photo: Vinnie Combow

CONSERVATIVE Party Leader Andrew Scheer announced on Tuesday that if elected Prime Minister this October, a new Conservative government would make maternity benefits tax-free.

“Having a child is an exciting milestone in any person’s life, but it comes with added costs and pressures,” said Scheer. “Today, young parents are under pressure and worried about their future. They are looking for help and Justin Trudeau has proven that he cannot be trusted to deliver it.”

As Prime Minister, Scheer will remove federal income tax from Employment Insurance (EI) maternity and EI paternal benefits by providing a non-refundable tax credit of 15 percent for any income earned under these two programs. The benefit to a Canadian whose salary is $50,000 would be about $4,000.

 “Justin Trudeau said he would help the middle class, but the last four years show that he is not as advertised. He raised taxes on 80 percent of middle-class families and brought in a carbon tax that makes everyday essentials more expensive,” said Scheer.

Quick Facts:

  • In 2018, the Liberals and the NDP cost Canadian parents hundreds of millions of dollars in savings when they voted against a Conservative bill that would have brought immediate tax relief to families.
  • All Canadian families will be eligible for this new benefit.
  • A new Conservative government will provide a tax credit of an equivalent amount for residents of Quebec who receive benefits under the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP).