Good news? Canadians react to Trudeau’s holiday GST cuts

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Reactions are pouring in online after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau introduced a two-month GST relief on some items on Thursday morning.

The announcement comes as the busy and costly holiday season kicks off.

The temporary cut applies to essential items, prepared foods and snacks, restaurant meals (dine-in, takeout, or delivery), children’s clothing and footwear, diapers, toys, Christmas trees, and several other items. The full list of eligible products can be found here.

The relief will start on December 14 and end on February 15.

Trudeau also revealed the new Working Canadians Rebate. Canadians who worked in 2023 and earned up to $150,000 will be sent a $250 cheque next year.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh chimed in about Trudeau’s plan on Wednesday evening before the announcement was made.

Last week, Singh and his party vowed to eliminate the GST from everyday costs like heating, cell phone bills, internet, groceries and children’s needs. The Liberal government’s tax break does not apply to monthly bills.

“The NDP is delivering a winter tax holiday to Canadians. The prime minister’s office just informed us that he’s caving to our Tax-Free-Essentials campaign — partly,” said Singh.

He added that Trudeau’s plan is “far from the substantial and permanent relief” the NDP is pushing for.

Canadians were quick to react on social media with their takes on Trudeau’s temporary GST respite.

Some were not impressed.

“The goal isn’t a cut. The goal is to completely blow the budget before they hand it over, so they can blame the next government for the disaster,” said one X user.

Another person questioned how bad the Canadian retail industry was tanking for Trudeau to announce the cut.

One person suggested that Trudeau may have made his announcement to detract from Singh’s proposal.

Another said they’d take the relief but that Trudeau still won’t get their vote.

“Trudeau’s GST holiday is just a ploy to buy votes and to hide how badly his government has managed their finances over the last few years,” stated one X user.

Others felt that Trudeau was making a desperate move to try to “win next year’s election.”

However, some Canadians felt the tax break would be helpful, especially at a time when many would be spending more on holiday gifts and food.

One commenter said it was “good news.”

“Great move! A tax break on essentials is a relief for many Canadians,” said another.

Some remained cautiously optimistic.

What are your thoughts on Trudeau’s announcement? Let us know in the comments.

With files from Isabelle Docto 

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