The NDP has made an announcement that could be key in the next election: the party pledges to “remove the GST from life’s essentials so families can pay less and get more.”
During his speech at the Candian Club of Toronto on Friday, NDP Party Leader Jagmeet Singh stated that despite higher wages, “Canadians are falling behind” due to inflation and high interest rates.
“Today, I want to make a commitment to Canadians: New Democrats are going to give you a break on your daily essentials and monthly bills,” he said. “We are going to take the GST off of everyday costs like heating your home, your cell phone bills, your internet, food that you buy at the groceries, and your children’s needs.”
Singh also stated that GST would be removed from children’s clothing and diapers and that the government shouldn’t be “nickel-and-diming” people on essentials.
“People need some immediate relief,” he stated.
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Singh also added that as Canadians struggle to make ends meet, landlords and grocery owners are making more money than ever.
“Let’s give people a break right now,” he said.
To address this, he said that the NDP plans to introduce an excess profit tax to ensure that the “ultra-wealthy and large corporations pay their fair share.”
“We can use that money to bring down costs for families,” he said. “We’re going to make the CEOs pay for it.”
He also addressed the effect that an upcoming Donald Trump presidency would have on Canadians.
“We are confronted now with the reality of a Donald Trump presidency and his agenda of economic bullying,” said Singh. “Let’s now commit that our goal and every single trade negotiation is to protect Canadian jobs and to create good jobs in our country.”
What do you think about the NDP’s plan to remove GST on essentials? Let us know in the comments.