From the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario:
Our government can’t set prices at the checkout, but we can give Canadians more money in their pockets – to help them afford the things they need and save for the things they want.
“The holiday season often comes with additional expenses for families. This year, even as inflation has eased to 2 per cent and interest rates have been reduced four times, we know the need for support remains,” said Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister Responsible for FedNor. “We’re providing targeted tax relief on groceries and holiday essentials, along with a $250 rebate for working Canadians. These measures are about easing the burden, so you can focus on celebrating with loved ones and begin the new year with a little more financial peace of mind.”
Today in Thunder Bay the Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, the Honourable Patty Hajdu highlighted the government’s plan to put more money in Canadians’ pockets.
As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on November 21, starting December 14, we’re giving a tax break to all Canadians. With a GST/HST exemption across the country, Canadians will be able to buy essentials like groceries, snacks, children’s clothing, and gifts – all tax-free.
This new tax break will apply to:
- Prepared foods, including pre-made meals and salads, vegetable trays, and sandwiches.
- Restaurant meals, whether dine-in, takeout, or delivery.
- Snacks, including chips, candy, and granola bars.
- Beer, wine, and cider.
- Children’s clothing, footwear, car seats, and diapers.
- Children’s toys, such as board games, dolls, and video-game consoles.
- Books, print newspapers, and puzzles, for all ages.
- Christmas trees.
This tax break is projected to last until February 15th. This will deliver meaningful savings for Canadians by making essentially all food GST/HST free, providing real relief at the cash register.
Working Canadians will also get some cash back. We’re doing this by providing a new Working Canadians Rebate. That means, Canadians who worked in 2023 with net earnings up to $150,000, will see a $250 cheque in their bank account or mailbox, starting early spring. With the Working Canadians Rebate, we are putting money directly into the pockets of the middle-class – those who have worked so hard to beat inflation. This will give 18.7 million Canadians that extra help to buy what they need.
We encourage Parliament and all parties to get this legislation passed quickly and unanimously, so workers and working families get more money in their pockets.
Families will be spending quality time together over the coming weeks. Some will light Christmas trees for Santa to put gifts underneath. Some will share meals with family and friends. Some might just make hot chocolate, order some take out, and stay in for a movie night. With today’s announcements, we’re making the holidays easier and helping Canadians start the new year with a little more in their pockets.
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A tax break is always nice but they missed the mark in my opinion. This is clearly a move by J.T. and his sunshine band to try to gain the favour of voters with our own money! ….And everyone knows this. I would like to see a tax break on things we need and are essential. For instance : home heating costs and over the counter medication like aspirin. Beer wine and snacks are not essential. As far as the $250 dollar gift of our own money, why wouldn’t they just allow people to deduct the $250 from their income tax and save the money spent on extra administration? Same thing goes for Doug Ford giving me $200 of my own money.