GST Exemption for Canadians Ends February 15: Impact on Businesses and Consumers

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s GST exemption for Canadians will end tomorrow, February 15, at midnight. All businesses will resume charging GST on previously exempt goods and services.

To ease the burden of inflation, the Trudeau government introduced a two-month GST exemption from December 14 to February 15 on items such as groceries, restaurant meals, children’s clothing, toys, diapers, and even beer and wine. The government also encouraged provinces to temporarily waive their taxes during this period.

Nik Nanos, head of Nanos Research, compared the return of GST to the frustration of returning to work after a long, relaxing vacation. However, data from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business shows that the impact on small businesses during the GST holiday was minimal. Only 5% of small businesses reported increased sales compared to last year, while 70% saw no significant change in spending or sales.

With the reintroduction of GST though, shopping may feel more expensive to Canadians.