Canadians are divided over two cost-of-living measures proposed by the federal government, with many questioning their effectiveness and fairness. A recent Angus Reid Institute survey reveals that while a GST/HST holiday set to begin Saturday is seen as somewhat helpful, the now-uncertain $250 cheque has drawn significant criticism for leaving out those who need it most.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government announced the Working Canadians Rebate as a one-time $250 payment for individuals who worked in 2023 and earned less than $150,000. However, critics, including NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, argue the eligibility criteria exclude key groups such as seniors, people with disabilities, and new graduates.The survey highlights that lower-income Canadians are among the least likely to qualify. Nearly 40% of those earning less than $25,000 annually and 35% of those earning between $25,000 and $49,999 say they would not be eligible for the cheque, despite being the demographic most likely to benefit from such support.While 45% of Canadians believe the GST/HST holiday will provide at least some relief over the next two months, only 36% say the same of the proposed $250 cheque. The cheque has reportedly been shelved amid pushback, with Singh calling for broader inclusion.The public is also skeptical of the government’s motives. A striking 84% of Canadians believe the measures are politically motivated, compared to just 7% who think the government’s primary intent is to help people.With affordability concerns continuing to weigh on Canadians, the measures have failed to inspire the holiday goodwill the government may have hoped for, leaving many to question who will truly benefit.
