From essential goods to common stocking stuffers, Trudeau offering Canadians temporary tax relief
CTV
Consumers will receive a temporary tax break on essential items and common stocking stuffers heading into the holiday season, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday, alongside a spring $250 rebate for 18.7 million Canadians.
Canadians will soon receive a temporary tax break on essential items, children's clothing and diapers, restaurant and pre-prepared meals and common stocking stuffers, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday.
The two-month Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) break will apply across the country, and is aimed at addressing lingering affordability concerns, according to the federal government.
"Canadians have been through a lot. They work hard. We see that. We've been able to get through the past couple of years. Everyone had to tighten their belts a little bit. Now we're going to be able to give a tax break for all Canadians," Trudeau said.
Among the dozens of consumer goods the government's offering relief between Dec.14 and Feb. 15 are:
The prime minister also announced a new "Working Canadians Rebate," alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, in Sharon, Ont.
The pocketbook-focused policy announcement was first reported by The Globe and Mail.
As of Dec. 14, businesses are expected to remove the GST and the HST on qualifying goods at checkout. The HST is only charged in select provinces, including Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.