The federal government's new children's fitness tax credit takes effect Monday, but some critics question whether it will help fight the rising tide of obesity among young people.

"It seems to me that this will just be sucked up right away by people who are already involved in organized hockey, soccer, baseball, whatever. There will be no net effect," said Dave Scott, who is behind an online petition to have activities such as music lessons included in the tax credit. 

Piano lessons do not qualify for the fitness tax credit.
(CBC)

The fitness tax benefit will allow parents to claim up to $500 in registration fees per child under 16 on their 2007 taxes.

Beginning Monday, there will also be a separate $500 tax credit for children with disabilities.

The petition by Scott, a magazine industry consultant, has garnered 35,000 signatures.

Scott argues the tax credit won't do anything to get young Canadians off the sofa and away from computer screens, or help get them fit.

The federal government estimates the program will cost $160 million a year. The annual maximum refund per child is $78.50.

The parents of nine-year-old Nate Oberst may get a tax credit for putting the youngster in hockey, but not for his piano lessons in Toronto.

"I think it's sort of weird that the government doesn't sponsor music," said Nate. "Your body is important, but your mind is important, too."

However, Sports Minister Peter Van Loan defends the fitness credit, saying parents have pulled their children out of sports because of rising fees.

"This was seen as a solution to help them, but that would also help out the nation's health, and hopefully help out government costs in the long run," said Van Loan.

Dr. Kellie Leitch, chair of pediatric surgery at the Children's Hospital in London, Ont., headed an expert panel sponsored by the federal government.

The panel toured the country to ask Canadians about how the tax credit should work.

Middle- and low-income families said the tax credit would provide an opportunity for kids to participate in organized sports, Leitch said.

"I believe that it will act as an incentive."

Rates of overweight and obesity nearly tripled among Canadian children over the past two decades, the Canadian Institutes of Health Information reported in 2004.