Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to announce a temporary reduction in the GST on certain essential items on Thursday to ease pressure on accessibility.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said in a statement that the announcement responds to his party’s demands to permanently lift the goods and services tax on a range of expenses.
“This is far from the substantial and permanent relief that the NDP wishes to offer Canadians. As usual, the Liberals are letting people down by choosing to make this a short-term tax holiday, on certain items only,” said Mr. Singh.
Last week, Mr. Singh promised that an NDP government would eliminate the GST on home heating, grocery store meals, Internet and cell phone bills, diapers and children’s clothing.
The Globe and Mail reported that the Prime Minister was set to announce a multi-billion dollar package of affordability measures, including the GST cut.
Mr. Trudeau is expected to make an announcement alongside Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland on Thursday morning in Toronto.
Mr. Singh said in the release that New Democrats will vote in favor of the measure to help provide immediate relief to Canadians.
This suggests the NDP could help the government break the logjam in Parliament that is preventing legislation from being passed.
The expected announcement comes as the Liberals continue to struggle in public opinion polls and face growing pressure to address Canadians’ affordability concerns.
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