The Manitoba government has announced that it plans to double the Fertility Treatment Tax Credit in an effort to ease the financial burden of starting a family. Originally introduced by the previous NDP government in 2010, the tax credit offered up to $8,000 back in taxes for $20,000 spent on treatment. Under the new plan, individuals will be able to receive $16,000 per year back when spending $40,000. Additionally, eligible expenses will now include surrogates and donors’ medical expenses, payments to fertility clinics and donor banks, as well as fertility clinic fees and related prescription drugs.
Dr. Gordon McTavish, the medical director at Heartland Fertility Clinic, expressed his support for the tax credit and its expansion, noting that many other provinces only offer one lifetime funded cycle of IVF. The average cost of IVF has nearly doubled since the initial tax credit in 2010, now costing around $20,000 for the average cycle. McTavish believes that the doubling of the tax credit will be beneficial for individuals who have been hesitant to pursue fertility treatment due to financial concerns. He highlighted the fact that one in six people are infertile, and that the financial burden of treatment can be difficult to overcome if only given one opportunity that may not be successful.
With the growing demand for fertility treatment, clinics like Heartland are facing wait lists of up to five months despite increasing staff and clinic space. Some Manitobans are also forced to seek fertility care outside of the province, as they are not eligible for the tax credit if they receive treatment out of province. Minister Uzoma Asagwara acknowledged this issue and stated that the government is committed to listening to feedback from individuals who have experience with fertility treatment in order to determine what additional steps can be taken to support them.
The announcement of the doubled Fertility Treatment Tax Credit comes as welcome news for many Manitobans struggling with infertility. The increased financial support for fertility treatment will provide relief for individuals who may have previously been deterred by the high costs associated with IVF and other fertility treatments. The government’s commitment to expanding the tax credit and listening to feedback from those affected by infertility demonstrates a dedication to supporting families in their journey to parenthood.
Overall, the doubling of the Fertility Treatment Tax Credit in Manitoba will have a significant impact on individuals struggling with infertility. By expanding the scope of eligible expenses and increasing the amount that can be claimed back in taxes, the government is taking concrete steps to address the financial barriers that many face when pursuing fertility treatment. This initiative is likely to make a positive difference in the lives of those seeking to start a family and reflects the government’s commitment to supporting individuals on their path to parenthood.
