NDP calls on federal government to make caregiver credit a refundable tax benefit

OTTAWA — New Democrats are calling on the federal government to follow through with its promise to make a tax credit for caregivers a refundable benefit. 

NDP MP Bonita Zarrillo, who is the party’s critic for disability inclusion, sent a letter to Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland on Wednesday calling for the change in the upcoming federal budget. 

Individuals who are supporting a spouse, common-law partner or dependant with a physical or mental impairment can currently claim the credit against the federal taxes they owe. 

The change would make the credit available as a benefit, regardless of whether or not they owe taxes.