Members of Canada’s RV and camping industry are in Ottawa this week to push for changes to tax rules.

The Recreational Vehicle Dealer Association of Canada and the Canadian Camping and RV Council (CCRVC) held a news conference on Wednesday.

Both associations are calling on the federal government to review what they call “outdated and inaccurate” tax rules.

Ellie Abucay-Giammattolo, chair of the CCRVC, said they want seasonal small private campgrounds should qualify for the small business tax deduction without annual reviews.

“Any small campgrounds which employ less than five employees year-round is classified as ‘specified investment business’ under the Income Tax Act, which carries a 50 per cent tax rate, unless the business proves that they’re an active business,” she said.

But since most small campgrounds only operate on a seasonal basis, Abucay-Giammattolo said this rule is unfair.

Some campground businesses, she said, have been forced to delay infrastructure improvements and new staff hires because of the uncertainty around what tax rate they will be forced to pay.

“Worse, we’re now seeing multiple owners actually selling their properties at a time when the camping industry has become more popular and we desperately need campgrounds now more than ever,” said Abucay-Giammattolo.

The camping and RV industry employs 67,200 Canadians from coast to coast, she said. It generates $3.4 billion in tourism spending and adds $6.2 billion annually to the economy.