Jagmeet Singh pledges to cut GST from essentials like groceries, heating and kids’ clothing
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh Promises to Remove GST from Daily Essentials
During a recent speech at the Canadian Club in Toronto, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh announced a bold promise to remove the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from what he considers to be “daily essentials” if his party forms the next federal government. Singh expressed his commitment to providing relief to Canadians by eliminating the GST from items such as heating your home, cell phone bills, internet costs, groceries, and children’s necessities.
The NDP’s official statement outlined that under their government, the GST would be waived on grocery store meals, diapers, and children’s clothing. To fund this tax cut, Singh proposed implementing an “excess profits tax” on large corporations that raise prices to increase their profit margins. He emphasized the need to make life more affordable for Canadians and asserted that CEOs would bear the financial burden of this initiative.
In a strategic move, Singh terminated the supply-and-confidence agreement with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government in September, signaling a potential shift in the political landscape. While the dissolution of the agreement could lead to an early federal election, Singh has refrained from supporting non-confidence votes proposed by the Conservatives and Bloc Quebecois.
Pharmacare and Other Programs at Risk
Singh expressed concern that electing a Conservative government would jeopardize essential programs such as dental care, child care, and pharmacare. The NDP had made the passage of pharmacare legislation a priority during the supply and confidence agreement, but despite its approval in Parliament, no agreements have been reached with the provinces.
With the upcoming election, the fate of pharmacare remains uncertain, particularly if Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre assumes power. Singh warned against allowing Poilievre or the Bloc to dictate policy decisions, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing initiatives that benefit the people during challenging times.
According to CBC’s poll tracker, the Conservatives currently lead in support with 41.6%, followed by the Liberals at 23.3% and the NDP at 18.4%. As the political landscape evolves, Singh’s promises to alleviate financial burdens on Canadians through targeted tax reforms could significantly influence voter decisions in the upcoming election.
