Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government has unveiled plans to provide relief to millions of Canadians facing a cost of living crisis. The measures include temporarily lifting the federal sales tax on various items and issuing checks to eligible individuals ahead of a looming federal election.
During a press conference in Toronto, Trudeau emphasized the government's commitment to easing financial burdens on citizens. Under the initiative, Canadians who earned up to 150,000 Canadian dollars in 2023 will receive a one-time payment of 250 Canadian dollars. This assistance aims to support individuals across income levels who have been struggling to make ends meet.
An estimated 18.7 million Canadians are set to benefit from the financial relief, with the federal goods and services tax exemption scheduled to take effect from December 14 to February 15. The tax break will apply to a range of essential items, including children's clothing, toys, diapers, restaurant meals, beer, wine, Christmas trees, snack foods, beverages, and video game consoles.
Trudeau, who leads the Liberal Party, faces a challenging political landscape as he prepares for the upcoming election. The Liberals, seeking a historic fourth consecutive term, currently trail the opposition Conservatives in polling numbers. The Prime Minister's popularity has waned as Canadians express discontent over rising living costs following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The government's efforts to provide financial relief and alleviate economic pressures reflect a broader strategy to address public concerns and shore up support ahead of the election. Trudeau's administration aims to bolster consumer purchasing power and mitigate the impact of inflation on households nationwide.
