New Brunswick Progressive Conservative leader Blaine Higgs was in Blackville on Saturday to make an announcement on his plan to introduce a PC Government tax credit for children’s sports, arts and culture programs as well as eliminating the Policy 711 nutrition policy which recently took effect in schools throughout the province.

“Brian Gallant is focused on taking chocolate milk away from our kids,” says Higgs, “I’d rather accomplish the same thing by giving our kids better access to organized sports activities and the character building experiences that come from participating in activities with their peers.”

Mr. Higgs’ plan includes:

• a Children’s Fitness and Arts Tax Credit, allowing families to claim eligible fees paid to register their child in an artistic, cultural, recreational or developmental activity.
• allowing families to claim up to $500 in expenses per child for a program involving physical activity, and up to $250 per child for programs involving arts, culture and recreational activities.
• eliminating Policy 711, the current government’s recent controversial nutrition policy.

“Certainly we should educate our children about the importance of good nutrition and regular physical activity on good health outcomes,” says Higgs. “But we think helping them participate in activities with their peers is the goal – not legislating what’s on the menu.”

Southwest Miramichi-Bay du Vin MLA Jake Stewart, PC Candidate for Miramichi Bay-Neguac Debi Tozer and PC Candidate for Miramichi Peggy McLean joined Higgs onstage for the announcement. Mayor Chris Hennessy was also in attendance.