The past few years have been challenging. It feels like the price of everything has gone up. And while inflation is back to the 2 per cent target and interest rates have been cut four times this year, we know that Canadians aren't yet feeling that in their household budgets.
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.
Today in Ottawa, the President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Transport, the Honourable Anita Anand, the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, the Honourable Ya'ara Saks, and the Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, Yasir Naqvi, met with a local Ottawa business owner to highlight 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.
