The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, is being slammed over his new affordability package announced to help release some holiday-season pressure on people’s wallets, and his move has excluded many vulnerable Canadians, as well as retirees. The restorations in his package include only eliminating the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on chosen items, and $250 cheques for working Canadians who, in 2023, earn up to $150,000.
At a news conference Justin Trudeau defended the targeted approach, saying, “Over the past number of years, we have been extraordinarily present in helping the most vulnerable Canadians,” citing increases to old-age security and the Canada Child Benefit. The new measures, he said, are aimed at “thanking and supporting” working and middle-class Canadians who are struggling to get by.
However, critics say the plan excludes seniors, people with disabilities, and those on fixed incomes. NDP MP Peter Julian says the Liberal government is failing in the House of Commons. He asked, “Why are Liberals excluding seniors and people with disabilities from the real help they need this holiday season?”
Starting December 14, the tax exemption would mean no GST on children’s clothes, toys, diapers, Christmas trees, and even beer and wine for two months. In provinces with harmonized sales taxes, like those in Atlantic Canada, more overall tax benefits will be felt there as both federal and provincial levies are essentially eliminated.
While several steps were taken, questions about cooperation among provinces still exist. A Finance Ministry representative urged provinces such as Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia to match the federal relief, but up till now not been the case.
The federal government will pay a price of $1.6 billion in the form of exempting GST, while the cheques of $250 will reach almost 18.7 million Canadians. It totals about $4.7 billion. As the debate continues to this day, Justin Trudeau says that the measures balance the playing field by supporting Canadians through stiff economic times.
To Read More: Global