Liberals, NDP expected to pass GST holiday in House of Commons today, without $250 rebate
CTV
Legislation to create a two-month-long GST holiday is expected to pass today after the federal finance minister separated the GST break from a promise to also send $250 to most working Canadians in the spring.
Legislation to create a two-month-long GST holiday is expected to pass today.
The bill was introduced on behalf of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland in the House of Commons on Wednesday afternoon, with the help of the NDP to at least temporarily stop debate on a Conservative filibuster.
The NDP only agreed to support the bill after Freeland separated the GST break from a promise to also send $250 to most working Canadians in the spring.
The NDP wants that benefit expanded to also go to non-working seniors and people with disabilities who don't have a working income.
Liberal Ryan Turnbull, who is Freeland's parliamentary secretary, said during the debate on the legislation Wednesday evening that the goal is to help Canadians after multiple budget shocks from high inflation after COVID-19 and climate disaster-related supply chain disruptions.
The holiday affects dozens of items commonly purchased at Christmas time including children's clothes and toys, video games and consoles, Christmas trees, restaurant and catered meals, wine, beer, candy and snacks.
The government says someone spending $2,000 on such items over the two-month period will save between $100 and $260 depending on the province.
