The past few years have been challenging. It feels like the price of everything has gone up. And while inflation is back to the two percent target and interest rates have been cut four times this year, we know that Canadians aren't feeling that yet 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 Brossard, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, along with Alexandra Mendès, Member of Parliament for Brossard-Saint-Lambert, met with children's retailers and families to share the Government's work to put more money in your pocket.
As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on November 21, starting on 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:
- Children's clothing and footwear, car seats, and diapers
- Children's toys, such as board games, dolls, and video game consoles
- Prepared foods, including vegetable trays, pre-made meals and salads, and sandwiches
- Restaurant meals, whether dine-in, takeout, or delivery
- Snacks, including chips, candy, and granola bars
- Beer, wine, cider, and pre-mixed alcoholic beverages below seven percent ABV
- Books, print newspapers, and puzzles for all ages
- Christmas trees
This tax break is projected to last until February 15, 2025. This will deliver meaningful savings for Canadians by essentially making 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 these announcements, we're making the holidays easier and helping Canadians start the new year with a little more in their pockets.
