Montreal, November 22, 2024 - The federal government's announcement of a temporary GST vacation on certain products and a $250 cheque for workers earning up to $150,000 are poorly targeted measures that will be ineffective in helping households, according to Option consommateurs.
"These measures cannot be seen as a real solution to the erosion of purchasing power that Canadians have been experiencing in recent years. The $250 cheque does not target the most vulnerable households, and notably excludes retirees. Nor do they address the structural problems that are eroding affordability, and target consumer goods that are not essential," insists Carlos Castiblanco, economist at Option consommateurs.
Rather than offering a temporary two-month GST vacation on a variety of consumer goods such as prepared foods, restaurant meals, sweets and alcohol, Option consommateurs believes that permanent measures to zero-rate essential goods should be implemented, particularly for products that have undergone reductive processing.
Instead of the $250 cheque, we are proposing tax measures to help the most vulnerable by improving tax credit programs for low-income households and families, and increasing the old age pension.
"These proposals would be a preferable measure to help the less well-off and pensioners cope with price rises," stresses Castiblanco.
About usOption consommateurs
Option consommateurs is a non-profit association whose mission is to defend the rights and interests of consumers. It focuses on issues related to personal finance, business practices, financial services, privacy, energy, debt and access to justice.
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For more information or an interview :
Marie-Ève Dumont, Director of Communications
514-777-6133
