NDP Prepared to Support Liberal GST Holiday Bill Outside of $250 Rebate Program
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh announces readiness to introduce motions today to support the Liberals in passing legislation for the promised GST holiday. However, this support is contingent on separating it from the pledge to send $250 cheques to working Canadians.
Singh emphasizes the need to expedite the legislative process by extending House of Commons sitting hours to ensure implementation by the promised date of Dec. 14.
The Liberals proposed a two-month pause on GST for items like groceries, beer, wine, toys, and holiday essentials, a move supported by the NDP. Nonetheless, the party opposes the $250 benefit solely for working Canadians earning up to $150,000 in the previous year.
Singh advocates for broadening the benefit to include non-working seniors and individuals relying on disability benefits without a working income in 2023.
Despite the Liberals’ notice of the GST and benefit cheque bill, their introduction has been delayed due to a Conservative filibuster on an unrelated matter.
The ongoing Conservative motion demands unredacted documents related to a green technology fund, hindering the introduction or debate of any bills or motions.
The Conservatives underscore that debate will persist until the documents are shared with the RCMP or until the NDP and Bloc Québécois align with them for a non-confidence vote in the government.
To halt or pause the ongoing debate, at least two parties must support a motion.
PM Trudeau states that both the GST holiday and $250 cheques aim to assist those grappling with living expenses, estimating a cost of $4.7 billion to issue the rebates to about 18 million Canadians in spring.
The government has given notice of the legislation but has yet to introduce it in the House. It has also proposed limiting debate on the bill to one 10-minute speech per party and one vote for all debate stages.
Some Liberal MPs suggest expanding eligibility for benefit cheques, with calls from the Bloc Québécois to include fully retired seniors in the rebate.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticizes the measure as a “tiny, two-month tax trick” and argues that abolishing the carbon tax would be more effective in addressing affordability concerns.
