Ontario sending $200 rebates to 15 million people amid early-election speculation

The Ontario government says it will send a $200 rebate cheque to roughly 15 million people in the province.

The announcement Tuesday comes as Premier Doug Ford has hinted he could call an early election in 2025.

Ford and Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy provided details about the rebates at a news conference in Scarborough, one day before the government tables its fall economic statement — a fiscal blueprint that anticipates the spring budget process.

The pair said the rebates are necessary because many Ontarians are struggling with the high cost of living.

“We’ve been hearing from people all across the province that they are feeling the pinch,” Bethlenfalvy said.

The cheques will go to every taxpayer, as well as $200 for each child in an eligible family. 

The rebates will not be means-tested and are expected to be mailed out early in the new year, according to the finance ministry.

They will cost the provincial treasury about $3 billion. Ford said that money will come from increased provincial sales tax revenue due to higher inflation over the last few years, as well as revenue generated by the recent federal changes to the capital gains tax.

Speaking to reporters, Ford downplayed any connection between the possibility of an early election and the decision to provide the tax-free rebates.

“These are tax dollars going back to taxpayers who are struggling right now,” he said, repeatedly pointing to the federal carbon tax as the cause for increases in the price of groceries, gasoline and other goods.

“That is money that families can use to pay off their credit card after the holidays, to buy a winter coat for their kids or to cover the cost of gassing up the family car to make up for the costs of the Liberal carbon tax,” Ford said.

More to come.