Business Entertainment Expense

Today, the National Allied Golf Associations (NAGA), including the CGSA, is launching the next step in our lobby effort. This strategy is a grass roots initiative by the entire Canadian golf industry to influence as many Members of Parliament (MPs) as we can, from all parties, and throughout the country. It is essential that our members speak to MPs regarding the current tax unfairness that exists in our industry. Due to a 1971 tax reform, the Canada Revenue Agency does not allow deductions for expenses incurred by business people entertaining clients at golf courses. Canada’s 2,500 golf courses, most of whom are small business operators, cannot compete fairly with all the other industries where CRA does support entertaining clients. Over time, the unfairness of this discrimination against the golf industry has become more and more significant and it is critical that members speak to MPs on the need to change this outdated legislation.

Building upon the success of our June 7, 2011 Golf Awareness Day on Parliament Hill, numerous follow up meetings have capitalized on the initial support we created that day. As a result, a Private Member’s Bill has recently been put on the House of Commons agenda, entitled "An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (golfing expenses)", likely to be introduced in March.

So, we need your help to reach out to your local MP this month to bring the message to them where it counts most - directly in their own constituency. And at the right time - when they are in their home riding before returning to Ottawa at the end of January, and prior to our upcoming Private Member’s Bill.

On our website at www.golfsupers.com, as well as NAGA's at www.canadagolfs.ca, you will find a complete Grassroots Advocacy Kit with all of the information and messaging you will need to make your MP meeting a success. With this email, you will also find attached some useful supplementary information which will be helpful in providing even more information for your MP. Remember, there is no more effective manner of communicating with a politician than through a face-to-face meeting with a local resident or business person from their own riding. Furthermore, NAGA will be organizing a webinar for Monday, January 16th, to elaborate on the Grassroots Advocacy Kit, to answer any questions you may have, and to ensure that all golf industry stakeholders are on message and confident with this strategy.

To participate in this Grassroots initiative, which I strongly encourage you to do, and/or the webinar orientation, please contact Cynthia from our public affairs partner at cynthia [at] impactcanada [dot] com or 613-233-8906. Webinar details and any additional communications required will then follow. Feel free to contact myself as well for additional discussion.

Although it won't be easy, a united effort by the Canadian golf industry can indeed correct this unfair taxation matter. The result would then be increased demand for golf from the corporate sector, something that we all need and deserve on the basis of fair competition with other industries.

On behalf of the CGSA and NAGA, I thank you in advance for your support of this very important political advocacy campaign. Our success will depend largely upon the level of support from key stakeholders such as you.

Sincerely,

Kenneth S. Cousineau, CAE
Executive Director
CGSA