MOOSE JAW — Local dignitaries gathered at the Yara Centre recently to highlight the province’s expanded Active Families Benefit — a refundable tax credit designed to make children’s activities more affordable for Saskatchewan families.
Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross, Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA Megan Patterson, and Mayor James Murdock addressed the media and took part in a facility tour to promote the program, which was reintroduced by the provincial government in 2021 through The Active Families Benefit Act.
“The announcement today is a reminder for families with children and youth participating in sports, culture, and recreational activities this year … to take advantage of our Active Families Benefit,” Ross said. “With summer in full swing, families are busy with many different activities, whether it's swimming lessons, baseball, fitness programs, soccer, flag football, or summer camps. It's very important to know about this program.”
Until now, the benefit has offered a maximum of $150 per child, or $200 per child with a disability for families with an adjusted income of $60,000 or less. However, starting in the 2025 tax year, the benefit will double — rising to $300 per child or $400 per child with a disability — and will be available to families earning up to $120,000.
“This represents about 56 per cent of all families in our province, ensuring that families who need it can access it,” Ross said. “We want to make certain that … eligible families are aware of this program and to take advantage of it when they file their tax return next spring.”
The benefit can be claimed for a wide range of structured sport, recreational, and cultural activities involving registration fees, instruction, and supervision, as long as they are offered by Saskatchewan-based service providers. Ineligible activities include school curriculum programs, childcare-based activities, or events such as movie outings and spectator sports.
Programs offered at the Yara Centre — including fitness classes, summer camps, and recreational programming — meet these eligibility requirements.
“This is a wonderful facility, and I know you're all very proud of it. Thank you for making Saskatchewan a richer and better place, and making fun things and healthy things happen for families in your community,” Ross said about the Yara Centre.
Mayor Murdock welcomed the announcement, calling the benefit “a meaningful step … toward making life more affordable for Moose Jaw families.”
“It will now be easier for more families in our community to access the sports, recreation, and cultural programs that help our kids thrive,” Murdock said. “These experiences help build confidence, friendships, and lifelong skills. I encourage parents to explore the many affordable programs available right here in Moose Jaw.”
Patterson, who served as MC, closed the event by thanking city staff and Yara Centre facility operators for their ongoing work behind the scenes.
“Sport, culture, and recreation provide so many benefits to the citizens of our province, and these facilities contribute to a high quality of life for our children and families in this province,” she said.
To claim the Active Families Benefit, families must complete the required form in their personal income tax return filed with the Canada Revenue Agency. Receipts do not need to be submitted but must be retained for verification purposes.
For more information, visit Saskatchewan.ca.
