Trudeau says NDP turning its back on workers by stalling $250 rebate cheques

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expressing frustration with the NDP for delaying the distribution of a promised $250 rebate to millions of Canadians. Last week, Trudeau announced a comprehensive affordability package that includes a proposed two-month GST holiday on select goods and services, as well as the distribution of $250 cheques to 18.7 million Canadians who earned $150,000 or less in 2023.

While the House of Commons passed a bill to implement the tax holiday, the rebate cheque portion was omitted after the NDP threatened to withhold support unless the promises were split into separate pieces of legislation. Trudeau criticized the NDP for “turning its back on working Canadians” by demanding significant expansions to the eligibility criteria for the rebate cheques.

Amid concerns from retired seniors about being excluded from the rebate program, the NDP is now calling on the government to broaden eligibility to include seniors, people with disabilities, and injured workers. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh stated that his party would support separate legislation for the rebate cheques if the government meets their demands.

Trudeau defended the targeted nature of the rebate cheques, emphasizing that they are intended to assist hard-working Canadians who may not qualify for other government support programs. The federal government estimates that the tax holiday will cost approximately $1.6 billion in foregone revenue, while the $250 cheque program is projected to cost around $4.68 billion.

The ongoing delay in passing the legislation has hindered regular House business, as opposition MPs continue to press the Liberal government for documents related to a defunct foundation responsible for allocating federal funds for green technology projects. The NDP’s support for pausing the privilege debate on this matter indicates their willingness to prioritize legislation concerning the rebate cheques if the government agrees to their conditions.

As the debate continues, Trudeau remains focused on supporting hard-working Canadians and ensuring that the promised rebate cheques are distributed to those in need. The ball is now in the Liberal court to address the NDP’s concerns and move forward with providing financial assistance to eligible individuals across the country.