A friend forwarded me this clip today and I hurt my ribs, laughing so hard. Make sure you have sound.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Canada's Chidren's Fitness Tax Credit
Canada’s New Government Establishes Program Eligibility for the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit
Related document
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The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, today released guidelines on the Children's Fitness Tax Credit, which is scheduled to become effective on January 1, 2007.
The Minister confirmed that as recommended by the Expert Panel for the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit, the definition of eligible programs will support children’s participation in all programs that significantly contribute to their fitness. In addition, the Minister indicated that substantial additional support would be provided to children eligible for the disability tax credit to recognize the unique barriers they face in becoming more active.
"Studies show that regular physical activity has many positive effects on children, including balanced growth and development and improved physical fitness," said Minister Flaherty. "This measure will help parents offset some of the costs associated with these activities and start children down the road to a lifetime of healthy, active living."
Minister Flaherty noted that he would soon introduce regulatory changes that would define an eligible program for the purposes of the credit and amendments to the Income Tax Act to implement the proposed enhancements for children with disabilities (see the attached backgrounder for more information).
"We know that families have limited budgets, and the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit will help make it possible for more young Canadians to get involved in sport and physical activity," said the Honourable Peter Van Loan, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister for Sport. "I am pleased that we are delivering on this important commitment for families and taxpayers."
___________________________________
For further information, media may contact:
Eric Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Finance
613-996-7861 David Gamble
Media Relations
Department of Finance
613-996-8080
If you would like to receive automatic e-mail notification of all news releases, please visit the Department of Finance website at www.fin.gc.ca/scripts/register_e.asp.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Backgrounder
1. Proposed Definition of a Program of Prescribed Physical Activity
An eligible program of prescribed physical activity, for the purposes of the credit, will be defined as
An ongoing, supervised program, suitable for children, in which substantially all of the activities undertaken include a significant amount of physical activity that contribute to cardio-respiratory endurance, plus one or more of:
muscular strength,
muscular endurance,
flexibility, and
balance.
This definition will cover many sports, as well as other children’s recreational programs that also involve significant physical activity, such as dance lessons. It recognizes that the practice of any sport or physical activity does not always call on cardio-respiratory endurance, notably in the initial learning stages. Eligibility of a program would be based on the general nature of the activities, and the benefits of involvement over time. The definition will also take into account the average participants’ age, health, skills, presence of a disability, and other relevant factors.
In keeping with the expressed purpose of the tax credit, and in the spirit of Canada’s Physical Activity Guides for Children and Youth published by the Public Health Agency of Canada, programs of prescribed physical activity for which tax receipts are issued should encourage children to strive towards at least 30 minutes of sustained moderate to vigorous physical activity per session for children under 10, and 60 minutes of sustained moderate to vigorous physical activity for children 10 and over.
By requiring a supervisory presence and by referring to activities that are "suitable for children", the proposed definition acknowledges parents’ role in assuring the safety of their children. It reminds those delivering programs of prescribed physical activity for children that safety is paramount and that such programs should comply with federal and provincial safety regulations.
2. Categories of Eligible Programs
In addition to the above definition, and in order to recognize the many ways in which children are enrolled and participate in organized physical activity, the Income Tax Regulations will provide that programs are eligible for the tax credit if they last at least eight weeks at a minimum of one session per week, or, in the case of children’s camps, five consecutive days—provided in the latter case that more than 50 per cent of the program time is devoted to physical activity.
A child’s membership in a club, association or other organization for two months or more would also be considered participation in an eligible program if more than 50 per cent of the programs available as a result of membership are in the nature of an "eligible program", or more than 50 per cent of the available time is devoted to activities in an "eligible program".
Membership and registration fees for programs where the eligible portion of the programs constitutes 50 per cent or less of available programs could in general be pro-rated for the purposes of the credit.
As well, that portion of a family membership covering a child’s participation in an eligible program will be eligible, and the organization will be able to issue a tax receipt for that portion.
While fees charged for extracurricular programs that take place at a school will be eligible, the credit will not cover fees charged for regular school physical education programming.
Sporting, recreational and other activities in which motorized vehicles (e.g., automobiles, motorcycles, power boats, airplanes, snowmobiles) are used as an essential component of the activity will also be excluded.
*of particular interest to the Canadian Autism Community:*
3. Measures for Children With Disabilities
In recognizing the particular challenges that children with disabilities face, the Income Tax Act will be amended to raise the age limit for disability tax credit (DTC)-eligible children from under 16 to under 18 years of age for the purposes of the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit. The Act will also be amended to introduce a separate $500 non-refundable amount for DTC-eligible children subject to spending a minimum of $100 on registration fees for an eligible program. This additional non-itemizable amount provides general recognition of the extra costs that children with disabilities encounter in becoming involved in programs of physical activity, notably with regard to specialized equipment, transportation and attendant care.
Related document
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, today released guidelines on the Children's Fitness Tax Credit, which is scheduled to become effective on January 1, 2007.
The Minister confirmed that as recommended by the Expert Panel for the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit, the definition of eligible programs will support children’s participation in all programs that significantly contribute to their fitness. In addition, the Minister indicated that substantial additional support would be provided to children eligible for the disability tax credit to recognize the unique barriers they face in becoming more active.
"Studies show that regular physical activity has many positive effects on children, including balanced growth and development and improved physical fitness," said Minister Flaherty. "This measure will help parents offset some of the costs associated with these activities and start children down the road to a lifetime of healthy, active living."
Minister Flaherty noted that he would soon introduce regulatory changes that would define an eligible program for the purposes of the credit and amendments to the Income Tax Act to implement the proposed enhancements for children with disabilities (see the attached backgrounder for more information).
"We know that families have limited budgets, and the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit will help make it possible for more young Canadians to get involved in sport and physical activity," said the Honourable Peter Van Loan, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister for Sport. "I am pleased that we are delivering on this important commitment for families and taxpayers."
___________________________________
For further information, media may contact:
Eric Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Finance
613-996-7861 David Gamble
Media Relations
Department of Finance
613-996-8080
If you would like to receive automatic e-mail notification of all news releases, please visit the Department of Finance website at www.fin.gc.ca/scripts/register_e.asp
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Backgrounder
1. Proposed Definition of a Program of Prescribed Physical Activity
An eligible program of prescribed physical activity, for the purposes of the credit, will be defined as
An ongoing, supervised program, suitable for children, in which substantially all of the activities undertaken include a significant amount of physical activity that contribute to cardio-respiratory endurance, plus one or more of:
muscular strength,
muscular endurance,
flexibility, and
balance.
This definition will cover many sports, as well as other children’s recreational programs that also involve significant physical activity, such as dance lessons. It recognizes that the practice of any sport or physical activity does not always call on cardio-respiratory endurance, notably in the initial learning stages. Eligibility of a program would be based on the general nature of the activities, and the benefits of involvement over time. The definition will also take into account the average participants’ age, health, skills, presence of a disability, and other relevant factors.
In keeping with the expressed purpose of the tax credit, and in the spirit of Canada’s Physical Activity Guides for Children and Youth published by the Public Health Agency of Canada, programs of prescribed physical activity for which tax receipts are issued should encourage children to strive towards at least 30 minutes of sustained moderate to vigorous physical activity per session for children under 10, and 60 minutes of sustained moderate to vigorous physical activity for children 10 and over.
By requiring a supervisory presence and by referring to activities that are "suitable for children", the proposed definition acknowledges parents’ role in assuring the safety of their children. It reminds those delivering programs of prescribed physical activity for children that safety is paramount and that such programs should comply with federal and provincial safety regulations.
2. Categories of Eligible Programs
In addition to the above definition, and in order to recognize the many ways in which children are enrolled and participate in organized physical activity, the Income Tax Regulations will provide that programs are eligible for the tax credit if they last at least eight weeks at a minimum of one session per week, or, in the case of children’s camps, five consecutive days—provided in the latter case that more than 50 per cent of the program time is devoted to physical activity.
A child’s membership in a club, association or other organization for two months or more would also be considered participation in an eligible program if more than 50 per cent of the programs available as a result of membership are in the nature of an "eligible program", or more than 50 per cent of the available time is devoted to activities in an "eligible program".
Membership and registration fees for programs where the eligible portion of the programs constitutes 50 per cent or less of available programs could in general be pro-rated for the purposes of the credit.
As well, that portion of a family membership covering a child’s participation in an eligible program will be eligible, and the organization will be able to issue a tax receipt for that portion.
While fees charged for extracurricular programs that take place at a school will be eligible, the credit will not cover fees charged for regular school physical education programming.
Sporting, recreational and other activities in which motorized vehicles (e.g., automobiles, motorcycles, power boats, airplanes, snowmobiles) are used as an essential component of the activity will also be excluded.
*of particular interest to the Canadian Autism Community:*
3. Measures for Children With Disabilities
In recognizing the particular challenges that children with disabilities face, the Income Tax Act will be amended to raise the age limit for disability tax credit (DTC)-eligible children from under 16 to under 18 years of age for the purposes of the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit. The Act will also be amended to introduce a separate $500 non-refundable amount for DTC-eligible children subject to spending a minimum of $100 on registration fees for an eligible program. This additional non-itemizable amount provides general recognition of the extra costs that children with disabilities encounter in becoming involved in programs of physical activity, notably with regard to specialized equipment, transportation and attendant care.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
CryBabies - and I don't mean my boys!
This has absolutely NOTHING TO DO WITH AUTISM or with my boys, for that matter.
I just saw this on Eric Mcerlain's blog http://www.ericmcerlain.com/offwingopinion/ and I couldn't resist putting it on here for Jonathan's benefit.
I just saw this on Eric Mcerlain's blog http://www.ericmcerlain.com/offwingopinion/ and I couldn't resist putting it on here for Jonathan's benefit.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Love Can
This has got to be the most inspiring video I have ever seen in my life. If this doesn't inspire you to be the best parent you can be, then I don't know what can.
Please read the article written by Rick Reilly from Sports Illustrated that accompanies and explains the video. http://cjcphoto.com/can/
Unbelievable.
Please read the article written by Rick Reilly from Sports Illustrated that accompanies and explains the video. http://cjcphoto.com/can/
Unbelievable.
a pick-me-up
This old Muppet clip instantly brings a smile to my face. My first memory of it is the back-and-forth manamana-ing that I would do with my Little Nerd cousin, Andrew when I babysat him back in my highschool days. Who would know that this video clip would be loved again by my own son, Jacob, more than 15 years later.
I still love it.
(Note: I have to say that I saw this posted on another bloggers's website, but I couldn't resist doing the same. http://audra3141.blogsome.com/)
I still love it.
(Note: I have to say that I saw this posted on another bloggers's website, but I couldn't resist doing the same. http://audra3141.blogsome.com/)
Panic & Rosie
I know I'll get flack for this from some of you. Maybe not outwardly, but you'll probably roll your eyes and whisper something insulting in your head. That's okay.
I like to read Rosie O'Donnell's blog. I don't need to tell you what her reputation is, but I really like her. She takes what gets dished out and she speaks her mind in an environment that doesn't really like to hear what she has to say.
I'm not going to lie. There are days, when being Mom to Owen and Will can be terrifying. I am using a strong word because it is a strong emotion to feel. To admit that I feel that way can also be terrifying. There is a lot of shame and embarrassment in admitting it. But I don't think I'm the only parent who has felt this way when they're up against such a challenge. There are times when the meltdowns/tantrums are sooo bad and so violent that you can't help but be frightened because you can't deny that not only are these boys getting stronger and bigger, but so are the tantrums. My bruises are getting bigger too. So are the headaches.
And it's not only those scary moments that are scary. It's the late at night in the dark times, when you let your mind think negative thoughts. When you let your guard down. Even after spending minutes, hours, days and weeks pushing the negative thoughts aside. Staying positive and optimistic that one day my boys will have the skills that they need to lead independent lives. There is sometimes a window of 5 minutes or so every night where my mind brings me back to that dark place where I feel total, sheer panic. Panic that all this hard work is for naught. Panic that my boys might grow up to hate me for all this 'therapy' that I put them through. Panic that they will feel that I don't love them for who they are because it seems that I want to change them. Panic that I'll never hear them tell me they love me. And my biggest source of panic is that I won't live forever. What will become of them if Jonathan and I aren't here for them??
Rosie's reply to someone who commented on her blog today reminded me that I do have faith. I have faith that we are doing our best and that the best is all you can do. You might not like Rosie, but sometimes you have to admit that she can hit the nail on the head, can't she?
Posted by ro on February 4th at 4:52pm in ask ro
Tina~ writes:
1. Faith is the ability to not panic.
faith is the ability to know
u will survive the panic
I like to read Rosie O'Donnell's blog. I don't need to tell you what her reputation is, but I really like her. She takes what gets dished out and she speaks her mind in an environment that doesn't really like to hear what she has to say.
I'm not going to lie. There are days, when being Mom to Owen and Will can be terrifying. I am using a strong word because it is a strong emotion to feel. To admit that I feel that way can also be terrifying. There is a lot of shame and embarrassment in admitting it. But I don't think I'm the only parent who has felt this way when they're up against such a challenge. There are times when the meltdowns/tantrums are sooo bad and so violent that you can't help but be frightened because you can't deny that not only are these boys getting stronger and bigger, but so are the tantrums. My bruises are getting bigger too. So are the headaches.
And it's not only those scary moments that are scary. It's the late at night in the dark times, when you let your mind think negative thoughts. When you let your guard down. Even after spending minutes, hours, days and weeks pushing the negative thoughts aside. Staying positive and optimistic that one day my boys will have the skills that they need to lead independent lives. There is sometimes a window of 5 minutes or so every night where my mind brings me back to that dark place where I feel total, sheer panic. Panic that all this hard work is for naught. Panic that my boys might grow up to hate me for all this 'therapy' that I put them through. Panic that they will feel that I don't love them for who they are because it seems that I want to change them. Panic that I'll never hear them tell me they love me. And my biggest source of panic is that I won't live forever. What will become of them if Jonathan and I aren't here for them??
Rosie's reply to someone who commented on her blog today reminded me that I do have faith. I have faith that we are doing our best and that the best is all you can do. You might not like Rosie, but sometimes you have to admit that she can hit the nail on the head, can't she?
Posted by ro on February 4th at 4:52pm in ask ro
Tina~ writes:
1. Faith is the ability to not panic.
faith is the ability to know
u will survive the panic
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Who Doesn't Love Play Doh & Nursery School?
I just took a peek at the website for the boys' old pre-school back in Ontario and I was so excited to see that they have posted Joy's Play Doh recipe. I thought I would share it with anyone who might have small children to entertain (Granny & Grandma.. get ready for Jake's visit!)
In a bowl, mix together:
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup salt
1 tablespoon cream of tartar or alum
2 packages of Kool Aid (anything but magic Kool Aid)
In a measuring cup, stir together:
2 cups of boiling water
3 tablespoons of cooking oil
Mix wet ingredients into dry mixture. Knead together with a little extra flour. Store in an airtight container or zip lock bag.
We love our new Nursery School home in Calgary, but we will never forget the wonderful women at Pine Ridge. They were truly the source of much of our strength and faith when we first started on our journey. I will never forget first meeting Diane as the director of the nursery school. I was so afraid of bringing my kids into an environment where I knew that they were clearly not at the same level as the other children. I feared for their safety, the safety of the other children and that they would be resented by the staff for their special needs. I could not have been more off-base. Please read the nursery school's philosophy on inclusion. Our hope is that there will only be environments such as this for children with special needs and that this philosophy will no longer have to be stated, because it is the norm:
"Philosophy of Inclusion
ALL children, regardless of sex, race, colour, creed, religion or special need are welcome to be included in the program at Pine Ridge Nursery School. We believe that all children are a valuable part of our community. It is our goal to work with each child and their family as the individuals that they are.
At no time will a child with special needs be denied enrollment at Pine Ridge Nursery School based solely on their special need. Where needs for the child, their family and Pine Ridge Nursery School can be met regarding safety, staffing and quality of program, that child will be welcomed at our setting."
Diane, Joy, Susan and Holly were angels to us and they will forever have a special place in our hearts.
We miss you!
In a bowl, mix together:
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup salt
1 tablespoon cream of tartar or alum
2 packages of Kool Aid (anything but magic Kool Aid)
In a measuring cup, stir together:
2 cups of boiling water
3 tablespoons of cooking oil
Mix wet ingredients into dry mixture. Knead together with a little extra flour. Store in an airtight container or zip lock bag.
We love our new Nursery School home in Calgary, but we will never forget the wonderful women at Pine Ridge. They were truly the source of much of our strength and faith when we first started on our journey. I will never forget first meeting Diane as the director of the nursery school. I was so afraid of bringing my kids into an environment where I knew that they were clearly not at the same level as the other children. I feared for their safety, the safety of the other children and that they would be resented by the staff for their special needs. I could not have been more off-base. Please read the nursery school's philosophy on inclusion. Our hope is that there will only be environments such as this for children with special needs and that this philosophy will no longer have to be stated, because it is the norm:
"Philosophy of Inclusion
ALL children, regardless of sex, race, colour, creed, religion or special need are welcome to be included in the program at Pine Ridge Nursery School. We believe that all children are a valuable part of our community. It is our goal to work with each child and their family as the individuals that they are.
At no time will a child with special needs be denied enrollment at Pine Ridge Nursery School based solely on their special need. Where needs for the child, their family and Pine Ridge Nursery School can be met regarding safety, staffing and quality of program, that child will be welcomed at our setting."
Diane, Joy, Susan and Holly were angels to us and they will forever have a special place in our hearts.
We miss you!
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