The Canadian government has unveiled a series of measures to alleviate financial pressure on households, providing meaningful tax relief during the winter months and direct support to working Canadians.
Table of Contents
GST/HST Exemption Starting December 14, 2024
From December 14, 2024, to February 15, 2025, Canadians can enjoy tax-free purchases on a range of essential and everyday items under the temporary GST/HST exemption. This measure aims to ease costs for families during the holiday season and beyond.
Eligible items include:
- Prepared Foods: Vegetable trays, salads, sandwiches, and pre-made meals.
- Snacks: Chips, candy, granola bars, and more.
- Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, cider, and pre-mixed drinks with less than 7% ABV.
- Children’s Items: Clothing, footwear, car seats, diapers, and toys.
- Other Essentials: Books, print newspapers, puzzles, and even Christmas trees.
This initiative is expected to save Canadians significant amounts on everyday purchases, especially during a season traditionally associated with high expenses.
The $250 Working Canadians Rebate
Starting in early spring 2025, Canadians who worked in 2023 and earned up to $150,000 in individual net income may receive a one-time, tax-free $250 rebate. Eligibility criteria include filing a 2023 tax return by December 31, 2024, and either claiming credits for CPP/QPP contributions, EI/QPIP premiums, or reporting income from these programs.
The rebate will automatically be delivered via direct deposit or cheque to an estimated 18.7 million Canadians. This effort directly supports middle-class workers and aims to provide additional financial flexibility.
CPP Payment Dates 2025: Increases & Amounts
OAS Payment Dates 2025: Increases and Amounts Explained
$250 Working Canadians Rebate 2025: Eligibility and Distribution Details
$628 Grocery Rebate in Canada 2024: Your Guide to Relief from Inflation
Wider Government Efforts on Affordability
These measures complement other government initiatives, including:
- The Canada Child Benefit provides up to $8,000 per child annually.
- The $10-a-day Childcare Program saves families up to $14,300 per child each year.
- The Canadian Dental Care Plan reduces healthcare costs for families earning under $90,000.
- A new National School Food Program is projected to save families up to $800 annually in grocery costs.
The federal government encourages all parties to pass this legislation promptly to ensure timely relief for Canadians.
These steps highlight a focused response to affordability challenges, aiming to provide practical support during a period when many Canadians feel the financial strain.
Home: Southern Ontario Smart News
So what people that are on ODSP do not qualify.
As usual the government will give a tax break on liquor and potato chips but has nothing to help seniors who worked for 50+ yrs. Seniors who have no private pensions and need a substantial increase in cpp & oas to bring them out of poverty. The same goes for people on odsp. This country should be ashamed how many seniors are struggling to keep from being homeless when rents have soared to $2000 per mth on a mthly income of $2300 per mth or less.
Trudeau should be ashamed. If you make 125,000. you need his little cheque but if you are cold and hungry you can suck it up. Someone should make his kids have a Christmas like the one he is presenting to poor families.