PM Trudeau Defends $250 Rebate for Working Canadians Amid Calls to Include Seniors and Disabled

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau remains steadfast in his commitment to deliver a $250 rebate to “hardworking Canadians,” despite mounting calls from opposition parties to expand the program to include seniors, people with disabilities, and others unable to work. The rebate is part of the Liberal government’s broader affordability measures, which also feature a temporary federal sales tax cut on holiday-related items.

The rebate, yet to be legislated, has stirred debate in Parliament. While the GST holiday bill passed the House of Commons late Thursday with NDP support and awaits Senate approval, the rebate’s fate remains uncertain. Speaking at an event in Prince Edward Island, Trudeau defended the targeted nature of the rebate, emphasizing its focus on working Canadians who often miss out on other government benefits.

“We’re recognizing the challenges faced by hardworking Canadians who contribute to our economy every day,” Trudeau said. He assured that the government is exploring additional ways to support non-working seniors and individuals with disabilities but maintained that the current rebate is specifically aimed at employed Canadians.

Opposition parties, however, are pressuring the government to broaden the rebate’s eligibility. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh criticized the Liberals for excluding vulnerable groups. “Why would we support a measure that leaves out seniors, people with disabilities, and those re-entering the workforce?” Singh questioned during a press conference. He called on the Liberals to amend the rebate’s scope, offering NDP support for its passage if these demands are met.

Bloc Québécois leaders have echoed similar concerns, with seniors nationwide voicing disappointment over their exclusion from the rebate program.

Trudeau pushed back against the criticism, accusing the NDP of turning away from its traditional support for workers. “To see the NDP — supposedly the party of workers — argue against recognizing working Canadians is disheartening,” he stated.

Despite the political deadlock, Trudeau reiterated his government’s commitment to addressing affordability challenges. “We’ve always supported seniors, and we’ll continue to do so,” he added.

The rebate initiative comes as inflation and cost-of-living pressures persist, with affordability remaining a key issue for Canadians. With the holiday season approaching, the GST holiday plan could offer some immediate relief. However, the debate over the $250 rebate underscores the ongoing tension between targeted support and inclusivity in addressing economic challenges.

The government now faces the challenge of balancing fiscal priorities with the growing demand for broader support, as it works to secure opposition backing for the rebate legislation.