Thousands of Saskatchewan families will have greater access to sport, cultural, and recreational opportunities in 2025, thanks to an expansion of the provincial Active Families Benefit.
The Government of Saskatchewan announced that starting next year, the refundable tax credit will double to $300 per child, or $400 per child for those eligible for the federal Child Disability Tax Credit. Additionally, the program will now be available to families with a gross household income of $120,000 or less, broadening eligibility to include over 69,000 families, or 56 per cent of households with children across the province.
"One of the best ways to ensure strong and healthy families in our province is to have children and youth involved in sport, recreation and cultural activities," said Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross. "Fulfilling our commitment to doubling the Active Families Benefit means that the families who need it most can access it."
The Active Families Benefit is intended to make extracurricular programs more affordable by offsetting costs for parents who enroll their children in qualifying activities. These include organized sports, recreational programs, and cultural activities such as arts, heritage, and multicultural events. To be eligible for the benefit, activities must involve structured participation or training that provides physical, mental, or cultural development.
Municipal leaders also welcomed the news. Moose Jaw Mayor James Murdock praised the program for its positive local impact.
"Programs like the Active Families Benefit make a real difference for families in Moose Jaw. By helping reduce the cost of sports, recreation, and cultural activities, we are not only supporting affordability—we are investing in the health, development, and wellbeing of our children."
Parents are encouraged to keep all receipts for eligible activities their children participate in during the 2025 calendar year, as these will be required when filing taxes for the benefit.
The province highlighted that many communities continue to offer accessible and affordable programs through local recreation centers and community-based organizations. By expanding the benefit, the government aims to ensure that more children and youth can participate in enriching activities that support their growth, wellness, and inclusion.
For more information about the Active Families Benefit, including full eligibility criteria, families are encouraged to visit the Government of Saskatchewan’s official website.