FIC has developed key contacts

within governments to lobby on be- half of the industry, to ensure that club owners are fairly represented and to ensure that Canadians have access to and are rewarded for living active healthy lifestyles. FIC has developed strategic partner-

ships with organizations such as The Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation, The Canadian Diabetes Association and ParticipAction. In 2008, FIC worked with IHRSA, Fitness Australia and Fitness U.K to fight the threat posed by international music copy- right reform. FIC was instrumental in support-

ing the introduction of the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit federally and ensur- ing that commercial fitness clubs were included within the scope of the new credit. FIC lobbied Nova Scotia and Alberta to implement a provincial fit- ness tax credit for all ages, allowing their citizens to claim fitness member- ships on their tax returns. Since the introduction of the

Children’s Fitness Tax Credit in 2007, FIC has spearheaded the Adult Fitness Tax Credit Campaign (www. adultfitnesstaxcredit.ca). To date, more than 36,000 electronic post- cards have been sent to the minister of finance (along with hundreds of thousands sent by mail). To provide the federal govern-

ment with evidence as to the benefits of an Adult Fitness Tax Credit, FIC commissioned Pollara Inc., in March 2007, to conduct a poll. The results indicated that more than two in three Canadians supported extending the current Children’s Fitness Tax Credit to include adults. FIC then commis- sioned a report from the Centre for Spatial Economics to showcase the fi- nancial benefits of implementing the credit. The results showed that that the federal government could save $2.5 billion in net healthcare costs if the credit were implemented. (You can read both reports at www.adultfitnesstaxcredit.ca). FIC has also been instrumental in

defending the Canadian fitness indus- try from the implementation of nega- tive legislation and unfair competi- tion both federally and provincially. In 2006, FIC was successful in amending proposed consumer protection legisla- tion in Saskatchewan; if passed in its original form, it would have crippled

its commercial fitness clubs. Recently, FIC provided all commer-

cial fitness clubs with a legal review of the new National Do Not Call Registry from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and provided a template to help clubs comply with the new rules and avoid paying $15,000 in fines per offence. FIC conducts a by-monthly review

of all federal and provincial legislation affecting the industry. It is currently tracking almost 1,500 pieces of active legislation; 31 bills could affect the Canadian fitness industry. Presently, FIC is defending the in-

dustry from a Neighbouring Rights Collective of Canada proposed tariff. The tariff would charge clubs 5% of gross revenue per month and $3 per group exercise class to use copyright- ed music; this is in addition to current fees paid to SOCAN. The proposed tar- iff is the biggest threat our industry has ever faced. FIC can only move forward with

financial support from our industry. Your support is critical. FIC is funded completely by donations. It is expect- ed that FIC will need to raise $500,000 to successfully defeat the proposed music tariff. Failure to defeat this threat could mean that many com- mercial clubs will close their doors. FIC is currently served by a six-

member board of directors. It also has fourteen provincial council members who advocate on behalf of FIC in all ten provinces. FBC

How Can I Join This Effort?

To learn more about FIC or to pledge your support, visit www.ficdn.ca or contact the organization directly:

Dave Hardy, president

Fitness Industry Council of Canada 13543 St. Albert Trail, 2nd floor Edmonton, Alberta T5L 5E7 Tel: 780-953-4273 Email: dhardy@ficdn.ca

Brian Gilbank, association manager

Fitness Industry Council of Canada 13543 St. Albert Trail, 2nd floor Edmonton, AB T5L 5E7 Phone: 780. 732. 5019 or 1-866-402-3422 ext. 3 Email: bgilbank@ficdn.ca

Don Longwell is the founder of Fitness

Business Canada.

“We feel Fitness Industry Canada is essential to the growth and protection of our indus- try. Club owners and operators are passion- ate about our industry and it is only by banning together with the representation of a credible and responsible entity like FIC that we will be able to educate the politicians, policy makers and the general public about the benefits of fitness. Having FIC as our champion will hope- fully protect our industry from ridiculous legis- lation and also shine a bright light on the long term benefits of a healthier lifestyle for all Canadians.”

Christine Walker General Manager Club West Island

“One of the greatest benefits of Fitness Industry Canada for me has been that an in- fluential united voice has been created for private fitness club owners across Canada. Since the creation of our trade association huge steps have been taken to move our inter- ests and priorities forward, including positive changes in federal and provincial legislation, which, in turn are making a positive long term impact on the health and quality of life in our nation.”

Lonnie Tkach

Founder & President, Great West Fitness

“With the alarming trends in global health, Fitness Industry Canada (FIC) plays a signifi- cant role in identifing knowledge gaps be- tween what is known and what is needed to prevent obesity while connecting the role that fitness and exercise plays in Canada. We hope FIC initiatives and recommenda- tions will have a major impact on guiding the Canadian government, healthcare profes- sionals and employers in understanding that weight and body shape are significant medi- cal issues effecting economic and lifestyle success and that fitness is the cornerstone of any long term solution.”

Mark English Director of Healthcare & Wellness Partnerships Curves Canada

“We support FIC because it can be proactive

with respect to threats to our business (such as the NRCC), and opportunities (such as the adult fitness tax credit) which we do not have the resources or voice to address. This offers us some peace of mind and the ability to focus on club operations.”

Ed Forest, President, Spa Lady

January/February 2009 Fitness Business Canada 55

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