MP Lapointe says affordability top of mind for Sudbury and relief is on the way

SUDBURY – Since being elected in 2021, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, Viviane Lapointe, has continued to knock on doors. Instead of asking for their vote, she asks people for their thoughts on key issues. “I learn so much from talking to people,” says Lapointe. “Listening to their concerns makes me an effective MP when I’m in Ottawa, because I know what I need to focus on.”

One of the things Lapointe has been pushing for is a tax break for people. “The past few years have been challenging for many people. It feels like the price of everything has gone up. And while inflation is cooling and interest rates are dropping, people aren’t feeling that in their pocketbooks yet,” says Lapointe.

Last week, the Federal Liberal Government announced a tax break for Canadians. With a GST/HST cut, people in Sudbury will be able to buy essentials like groceries, diapers and kids clothing– all tax-free.

In addition to the GST pause, working Canadians will also receive some cash back, with the new Working Canadians Rebate. That means Canadians who worked in 2023 and earned up to $150,000 will see a $250 cheque in their bank account, starting early spring 2025.

Of note says Lapointe is the decision made by BMO after the Liberal Federal Government announced the tax cuts. According to BMO economists “The stimulus announced by Ottawa is meaningful. The GST/HT rebate will drive additional spending. BMO Economics is boosting Q1 growth from 1.7% to 2.5%.”

Lapointe points out there is a snag to bringing this tax relief to Canadians. The tax break must pass a vote in the House of Commons. And she takes direct aim at Pierre Poilievre and his Conservative MPs.

“Pierre Poilievre talks about axing taxes for Canadians. Those claims will be put to the test when these tax cuts come to the House of Commons for a vote. Will he and his Conservative MPs vote to put more money in the pockets of workers and working families?”

The new tax break will apply to:

• Prepared foods, including vegetable trays, pre-made meals and salads, and sandwiches.
• Restaurant meals, whether dine-in, takeout, or delivery.
• Snacks, including chips, candy, and granola bars.
• Beer, wine, cider, and pre-mixed alcoholic beverages below 7 per cent ABV.
• Children’s clothing and 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.

 

Quick Facts

• The GST/HST would be fully relieved on the supply or importation of qualifying goods for a period beginning on December 14, 2024, and ending on February 15, 2025. Further implementation details, including all qualifying goods, are available here.
• Canadians who have claimed tax credits for Canada Pension Plan/Quebec Pension Plan contributions or for Employment Insurance (EI) or Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP) premiums, and those who reported income from EI or QPIP benefits, with individual net income below $150,000 in 2023, would be eligible for the Working Canadians Rebate. Eligible Canadians would begin receiving the payments starting in spring 2025. More information on the rebate is available here.