The federal government’s newly announced affordability measures, including a two-month GST holiday on select goods and a $250 cheque for Canadians earning under $150,000, have sparked strong reactions from political leaders and stakeholders.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the announcement, calling it a “tax trick” that fails to address the broader affordability crisis. “This won’t make up for the permanent quadrupling carbon tax on heat, housing, food, and fuel,” Poilievre said. While he did not confirm whether his party would support the legislation, Poilievre emphasized the Conservatives’ earlier calls for temporary GST relief on gasoline as a more targeted approach.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh took credit for pressuring the Liberals into implementing the GST holiday but dismissed the measures as a “Liberal letdown.” Singh argued the temporary nature of the tax break doesn’t go far enough to help Canadians and reiterated his party’s push for GST exemptions on home heating and other recurring expenses. Despite these criticisms, Singh said the NDP would work to expedite the bill’s passage, even amid a Conservative-led filibuster.
Economists and stakeholders noted that the measures would likely provide modest benefits for families but questioned their long-term impact on affordability. Meanwhile, retail and restaurant sectors anticipate a short-term boost in consumer spending.
The GST holiday is set to begin on December 14 and end on February 15.
