Highlights of the Government's Tax Break for Canadians & the New Working Canadians Benefit

DECEMBER 19, 2024 The government can’t set prices at checkout, but Canadian government can give Canadians more money in their pockets – to help them afford the things they need and save for the things they want.

On Sunday, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Gary Anandasangaree, met with Canadians to highlight the government’s plan to put more money in Canadians’ pockets.

As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on November 21, starting December 14, they are giving a tax break to all Canadians. With a GST/HST exemption across the country, Canadians will be able to buy essentials like groceries, snacks, children’s clothing, and gifts – all tax-free.

This new tax break will apply to:

Prepared foods, including pre-made meals and salads, vegetable trays, and sandwiches.

Restaurant meals, whether dine-in, takeout, or delivery.

Snacks, including chips, candy, and granola bars.

Beer, wine, and cider.

Children’s clothing, footwear, car seats, and diapers.

Children’s toys, such as board games, dolls, and video-game consoles.

Books, print newspapers, and puzzles, for all ages.

Christmas trees.

This tax break is projected to last until February 15. This will deliver meaningful savings for Canadians by making essentially all food GST/HST free, providing real relief at the cash register.

Working Canadians will also get some cash back. We’re doing this by providing a new Working Canadians Rebate. That means that Canadians who worked in 2023 with net earnings up to $150,000 will see a $250 cheque in their bank account or mailbox, starting early spring. With the Working Canadians Rebate, we are putting money directly into the pockets of the middle class—those who have worked so hard to beat inflation. This will give 18.7 million Canadians that extra help to buy what they need.

Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Anandasangaree encourages Parliament and all parties to get this legislation passed quickly and unanimously so workers and working families get more money in their pockets.