Poilievre calls two-month GST break inflationary, says Tories will vote against it

By Nojoud Al Mallees, The Canadian Press on November 28, 2024.

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and Minister of Public Safety Dominic LeBlanc speak with reporters, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

OTTAWA – Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says his party will vote against Liberal legislation to remove GST off a slew of items over the holidays.

The government introduced the bill in the House of Commons on Wednesday afternoon, and it’s expected to be debated today.

The two-month tax break covers dozens of items commonly purchased over the holidays, including children’s clothes and toys, video games and consoles, Christmas trees, restaurant and catered meals, wine, beer, candy and snacks.

Poilievre says he’s opposing the tax break because it’s inflationary and would therefore raise the cost of living.

The NDP only agreed to support the bill after the Liberals separated the GST break from a promise to also send $250 to most working Canadians in the spring.

The NDP wants that benefit expanded to non-working seniors and people with disabilities who don’t have employment income.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 28, 2024.