Progressive Conservatives commit to boosting Manitoba's charitable tax credit

Manitoba Progressive Conservatives are promising to nearly double the charitable tax credit for people who make financial donations if they are re-elected Oct. 3.

Kelvin Goertzen, a Tory cabinet minister running for re-election in Steinbach, says Manitobans give their time and money and should be recognized for their generosity.

The Tories say they would increase the rebate on the first $200 given to a registered charity from 10.8 per cent to 20 per cent.

They would also increase the rebate on contributions beyond $200 from 17.4 per cent to 25 per cent.

Goertzen says this would cost around $12 million annually.

Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont said the PC promise does not help Manitobans.

"The PCs are supposed to be running a government, not a bake sale. We have a cost-of-living crisis, a health-care crisis and a justice crisis, and the PCs' solution is to offer people who donate $200 to a charity an extra 17 bucks.

In a statement, the NDP criticized PC Leader Heather Stefanson for not appearing at party campaign announcements.

The Progressive Conservatives have been focused on affordability announcements this week, including promising financial supports for seniors and to cut the lowest income tax bracket in half over four years.

• Read fullManitoba election coverage from CBC Manitoba here