'We'll take it:' 2 Windsor-Essex business owners welcome tax holiday that starts Saturday

If you still have holiday shopping to do, Saturday's the day to start.

A federal tax "holiday" will kick in this weekend, lasting for two months. It waives the tax on some categories of essential goods, a measure the federal government says is meant to help Canadians battle the high cost of living. 

Thought it's a federal measure, in Ontario the entire 13 per cent harmonized sales tax will disappear off categories of items including children's clothing, prepared foods, restaurant meals, toys and book and even real Christmas trees, even though the federal portion of the tax is just five per cent. 

"We'll start marketing first thing tomorrow morning that it's available," Richard Peddie, owner of River Bookshop in Amherstburg, told CBC's Windsor Morning. "So yes, I would hope [we see more business]. I mean 13 per cent is pretty significant."

LISTEN: We're just one  day away from a litany of goods becoming tax-free

Nicole Sekela is one of the owners of Rock Bottom Bar and Grill. She says that she's heard customers talking about the tax break, but hasn't seen anyone delay dining out in anticipation.  

"We've got lots of parties booked already, so I'm hoping more people come out. I hope they take advantage of it," she said. 

The tax holiday was announced last month. Shoppers don't need to do or claim the exemption; rather, it will not be charged at the point of sale. The break will be in place until Feb.15, 2025. 

Initially, Sekela says she worried about the tech side of it — having to make changes to each individual menu item to turn off the tax. But instead her software allowed her to do it by menu category — sandwiches, beers, etcetera — so it was easier than anticipated. 

But, she said, there are items like cocktails that are not tax-exempt, so she's had to educate her staff in preparation for customer questions. 

Both Peddie and Sekela agreed the move was largely political — but Sekela says she's still planning to capitalize on it. 

"Historically for restaurants, you know, January and February is our slow time. So I guess we'll just take advantage."

At River Bookshop, Peddie says staff were combing through titles one by one until nearly the end of the week to make sure the tax was turned off. It's been a bit of added complexity at an already-busy time of year.