The past few years have been challenging. It feels like the price of everything has gone up. While inflation has returned to the 2 per cent target and interest rates have been cut four times this year, Canadians still aren't feeling the effects in their household budgets.
The Government of Canada can't set prices at the checkout, but they can give Canadians more money in their pockets - making it easier to afford the things they need and save for the things they want.
Today in St. Catharines, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre, and Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines visited The Twisted Pig to highlight the government's efforts to put more money in Canadians' pockets.
As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on November 21, since December 14, the Government of Canada is 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 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 7 per cent ABV.
- Children's clothing and 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. This means, Canadians who worked in 2023 with net earnings up to $150,000, will receive a $250 cheque in their bank account or mailbox, starting in 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 provide 18.7 million Canadians that extra help to buy what they need.
Passing this legislation will allow for workers and working families to have 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.
