3.74°C Vancouver

Nov 28, 2024 12:57 PM - The Canadian Press

Liberals' GST break expected to pass today

Share On
liberals-gst-break-expected-to-pass-today
The NDP only agreed to support the bill after Freeland separated the GST break from a promise to also send $250 to most working Canadians in the spring. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

Legislation to create a two-month-long GST holiday is expected to pass today. Liberals, NDP expected to pass GST holiday in House of Commons today

The bill was introduced on behalf of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland in the House of Commons on Wednesday afternoon, with the help of the NDP to at least temporarily stop debate on a Conservative filibuster. The NDP only agreed to support the bill after Freeland separated the GST break from a promise to also send $250 to most working Canadians in the spring. The NDP wants that benefit expanded to also go to non-working seniors and people with disabilities who don't have a working income.

The holiday affects dozens of items commonly purchased at Christmas time including children's clothes and toys, video games and consoles, Christmas trees, restaurant and catered meals, wine, beer, candy and snacks.

Latest news

vancouver-police-seek-witnesses-after-downtown-incident-man-charged
BCApr 15, 2026

Vancouver police seek witnesses after downtown incident, man charged

Vancouver police are asking for additional witnesses following an incident in the city’s downtown business district last month that led to charges against a 47-year-old man. According to a Vancouver Police Department news release, officers responded around 7:20 p.m. on March 25 to Granville Street between Dunsmuir and Pender streets after receiving reports of a man yelling at people in the area. Police said the man was arrested at the scene and remains in custody. Investigators have identified the accused as Derek Jason Sangris, who is charged with one count of sexual assault and unauthorize
ed-searches-lovely-group-premises-in-jalandhar-phagwara-over-alleged-fema-violations
IndiaApr 15, 2026

ED searches Lovely Group premises in Jalandhar, Phagwara over alleged FEMA violations

India’s Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at multiple premises linked to the Lovely Group in Jalandhar and Phagwara on Tuesday, according to information provided by officials familiar with the operation. The searches were carried out by a Delhi-based ED team under provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, focusing on alleged violations. Authorities did not publicly detail the nature or scale of the suspected irregularities. Premises covered in the Action include Lovely Professional University, Lovely Autos, Lovely Sweets and a distance education centre operated by the group
spring-snowfall-drops-30-cm-on-coquihalla-highway-warnings-remain-across-b-c
BCApr 15, 2026

Spring snowfall drops 30 cm on Coquihalla Highway, warnings remain across B.C.

A spring storm system brought significant snowfall to parts of British Columbia overnight, with 30 centimetres recorded on the Coquihalla Highway, according to Environment Canada. The agency said the accumulation on the major route connecting Metro Vancouver and the Interior was the highest recorded in the province during the event. Travel conditions were affected across several Interior highways as snow continued to fall. Environment Canada also reported 21 centimetres of snow at Kootenay Pass along Highway 3 between Salmo and Creston. Snowfall warnings remain in effect for parts of southern
carney-meets-newly-elected-liberal-mps-highlights-increase-in-women-in-commons
CanadaApr 15, 2026

Carney meets newly elected Liberal MPs, highlights increase in women in Commons

Prime Minister Mark Carney met with three newly elected Liberal members of Parliament in Ottawa on Tuesday following their victories in recent byelections, according to remarks delivered on Parliament Hill. Government ministers and MPs welcomed the new members with applause during the meeting, marking their formal introduction to the Liberal caucus. Speaking to reporters, Carney said the additions – along with the recent inclusion of Marilyn Gladu to the party – bring the number of women on the government side in the House of Commons of Canada to 71. Carney described the development as a s
AlbertaApr 15, 2026

Alberta proposes early cabinet review for industrial projects over $250M

Alberta’s government has introduced legislation that would allow cabinet ministers to review major industrial project proposals earlier in the approval process, according to a bill tabled Tuesday. Energy Minister Brian Jean said the proposed changes would apply to projects valued at more than $250 million and are intended to help companies strengthen their applications before entering formal regulatory review. According to the provincial government, the system would involve select cabinet members assessing proposals at an initial stage, with the aim of identifying issues that could delay app

Related News