(Christian Diotte/House of Commons Photo Services)

By Alison Sandstrom

Hoback looks to create tax credit for home security systems

Feb 3, 2021 | 5:21 PM

A Saskatchewan MP hopes to create a new tax credit aimed at helping Canadians purchase home security systems.

Conservative Randy Hoback, MP for Prince Albert, is scheduled to begin debate on the bill Wednesday, after it was reinstated at second reading from the last parliamentary session.

If passed, the tax credit could be applied to the cost of installation, maintenance and monitoring of a home security system, for a maximum rebate of up to $5,000 annually. Structures separate from an individual’s home, such as a barn or garage would be included.

“It’s not a big amount of dollars, but it shows that we are serious about addressing the problem,” Hoback told paNOW, explaining federal Conservatives plan to introduce a number of private members’ bills aimed at combatting rural crime and break-ins during this parliamentary session.

“I’m hearing lots of stories of people who are having trouble getting insurance because they’ve been broken into so many times and they want to see action on it,” he said. “And I want us to make sure we have a comprehensive plan that provides the results that they want to see.”

International Spotlight

P.A.'s Howe one of 4 Sask. born players named to Canada's World Junior roster

4h ago

National

Ottawa to remove 30% investment cap for Canadian pension funds

7h ago

Budget woes

Golf and curling centre faces grim season without financial boost

11h ago

Other proposed legislation will be aimed at addressing a variety of factors, he continued.

“Whether it’s addictions, whether it’s some other social issues sitting in the background, that’s one aspect,” he said. “If they’re just bad people, making sure they have harsher sentences so they don’t keep repeating the same crime over and over again, dealing with gangs, those are all things that we’re looking at.”

Hoback said he hasn’t heard any opposition from other parties to the proposed tax credit, and expects it could be passed in a matter of months.

“This is something that should flow through relatively smoothly, and hopefully be completed before the next election,” he said.

Editor’s note: Due to delays in the voting process Wednesday, debate on Hoback’s bill was postponed. It will likely be discussed during the week of Feb. 15.

–

alison.sandstrom@jpgb.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom