17.78°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

modi-criticizes-punjab-governments-law-and-order-record-during-jalandhar-rally
IndiaJul 17, 2026

Modi criticizes Punjab government's law and order record during Jalandhar rally

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Punjab government's handling of law and order during a public rally in Jalandhar on Friday, accusing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration of failing to ensure public safety and protect the state's future. Addressing the gathering, Modi paid tribute to Punjab, describing it as the land of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He alleged that the state government was attempting to hide the ground reality through extensive advertising, while claiming that the law and order situation had deteriorated across Punjab. The prime minister said businesses were finding it
AlbertaJul 17, 2026

Nearly 32 million illegal cigarettes seized in Edmonton, Alberta regulator says

Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) says investigators seized nearly 32 million contraband cigarettes during searches at a commercial property in northwest Edmonton last month, marking the largest tobacco seizure in the regulator's history. According to an AGLC statement, the cigarettes have an estimated retail value of more than $29 million. The regulator said the seizure also prevented an estimated $9 million in avoided provincial tobacco taxes. AGLC said the investigation involved searches at a commercial property in northwest Edmonton. No additional details about arrests or charges
naheed-nenshi-to-run-in-calgary-riding-in-2027-alberta-election
AlbertaJul 17, 2026

Naheed Nenshi to run in Calgary riding in 2027 Alberta election

Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi says he will seek election in a Calgary constituency in the 2027 provincial election, ending his plan to seek re-election in Edmonton-Strathcona. In a letter released Thursday to constituents in Edmonton-Strathcona, Nenshi said he remains grateful to represent the riding but wants to return to the city where he grew up and spent much of his professional and political career, including 11 years as Calgary's mayor. He also said the Alberta NDP must win more seats in Calgary if it hopes to form government. Nenshi said he has not yet selected a Calgary riding becau
AlbertaJul 16, 2026

Record rainfall drenches Edmonton as June sets all-time precipitation mark

Environment and Climate Change Canada says Edmonton has experienced an unusually wet start to the summer, with June setting a new monthly rainfall record and above-average precipitation continuing into July. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, 264 millimetres of rain fell in Edmonton during June, surpassing the previous record of 216 millimetres that was set in 1914. The agency says total rainfall for June and July has now reached approximately 360 millimetres. The wet weather marks a sharp contrast to Alberta's typical summer conditions, which are often dominated by wildfire s
police-renew-appeal-to-locate-missing-north-vancouver-woman-last-seen-july-7
BCJul 16, 2026

Police renew appeal to locate missing North Vancouver woman last seen July 7

North Vancouver RCMP are renewing their appeal for the public's help in locating 46-year-old Mihaela Ududec, who has been missing since July 7. According to a North Vancouver RCMP news release, investigators have confirmed through video evidence that Ududec was last seen at 3:03 p.m. on July 7 in the 100 block of West Keith Road. Police have released a CCTV image showing what she was wearing in the hope that someone may recognize her or provide information about her whereabouts. She was last seen wearing a purple T-shirt, blue jeans, black Nike shoes and a grey hat."Our Investigative Support S

Related News