OTTAWA – On January 1, 2011, the Department of Finance increased the tax deductible portion of meal expenses for long-haul truck drivers to 80 per cent, taking the final step towards fulfilling the commitment the federal government made in 2007 to restore the meal tax deductibility to 80 per cent by 2011. The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) welcomes this change, which will allow Canadian long-haul truck drivers to enjoy the same meal deduction allowances as their US counterparts.
“CTA is pleased that the Minister of Finance and the Government of Canada are continuing to honour their commitment, despite being under fiscal pressure,” said CTA CEO David Bradley. “The government deserves a great deal of credit for continuing to be responsive to the needs of the trucking industry and truck drivers in particular.”
“CTA is proud of the role our 2006-2007 lobby campaign played in achieving this deduction,” continued Bradley. The campaign, End Canada’s Lunch Bag Let Down, featured postcards that truck drivers sent to the federal minister highlighting the need for this tax change. “As some of the hardest working individuals in Canada, we are happy that long-haul truck drivers are benefitting from lower taxes as a result of CTA’s campaign.”
In order to be eligible for the tax deduction drivers must generally be away for at least 24 consecutive hours and the purpose of the trip must be to transport goods beyond a 160 km radius from the home location. In addition the vehicle must have a GVWR of greater than 11,788 kg.
