September 15, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ESSEX – Chris Lewis, Conservative candidate for Essex, announced today that a Conservative government will introduce a Construction Mobility Tax Credit to help with expenses construction workers incur when they temporarily relocate for work.

The construction mobility tax credit will allow workers to subtract up to $4,000 per year of temporary relocation expenses (moving, temporary lodging) from taxable income. This will make it easier for Canadian workers to go to where the work is.

“I have worked closely with local Unions representing the trades since my election as MP for Essex in 2019.  It was important to me that I understand their issues so I could be an effective voice for them in Ottawa.”

One of the issues I committed to champion is a tax credit for travelling construction workers.  This issue was brought to my attention by the Essex Kent Trade Council.  I want to thank them for taking the time to connect with me, to advise me and to bring me up to date on issues key to their workers so that I could in turn raise these issues with my Caucus colleagues.”

 

Construction tends to be cyclical in different provinces and when one is busy, another has excess workers. Workers often leave their homes and families to take on temporary contracts elsewhere and the costs can be quite significant, averaging around $3,500 for a relocation.

Some parts of Canada, often in rural areas and northern regions, are struggling with a shortage of skilled construction workers, while in other regions tradespeople are facing unemployment.

“This is a win/win”, Lewis said.  “Conservatives want to accelerate investment in infrastructure that will create jobs and build a more productive, more connected Canada. To do that we need to help workers get to where they are needed most.

 

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