Good morning, everyone. Great to be here today with all of you. Very excited to be here with the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Chrystia, to talk about something we’re doing on affordability. 

Giancarlo, thank you so much for welcoming us here to Vince’s. As a strong independent grocer, you’ve had a real impact on people’s lives. You’ve also seen over the past years the challenges folks have faced, and we’re glad to make a big announcement today. Tony and Francesco, it’s great to be back in the region, great to be here with all of you to talk about how we’re going to make life more affordable for so many people.

The announcement we are making today will make people very, very happy. Our economy is heading in the right direction. We are seeing inflation going down, we are seeing interest rates falling; we have a good economic growth forecast for 2025. We are seeing the economy picking up, but people still need help. 

That is why we are moving forward with several measures that are taking pressure off their bank accounts. Whether it’s dental care, which helps seniors and others; whether it’s $10-a-day child care spaces across the country, which takes thousands of dollars of pressure off families; whether it’s the school food program, which will take pressure off parents; whether it’s other initiatives like free insulin and prescription contraceptives: we are doing a lot of things to take pressure off families, but we know that we can still do more. 

The programs that we’re delivering—whether it’s dental care, whether it’s pharmacare with free insulin or free prescription contraceptives, whether it’s more spaces in $10-a-day child care that is saving families thousands of dollars, whether it’s dental care that’s taking huge pressures off of primarily seniors budgets, but also others—these are things that are making a difference. But at the same time, Canadians are still struggling to get by. 

These elements have taken off pressures, but there is more to do. As the holidays approach, families, especially parents, are particularly worried. Canadians have been through a lot, they work hard. We see that. We’ve been able to get through the past couple of years, everyone had to tighten their belts a little bit, and now we’re going to be able to give a tax break for all Canadians. 

For two months, starting December 14, we’re going to remove the GST, HST from groceries, 100% of groceries, all groceries. We’re going to remove the GST from restaurant meals, take-outs, fast food. Removing the GST from beer and wine. Removing the GST for essentials like kids’ clothing, footwear, diapers, and toys. All tax-free. Removing the GST/HST. For two months, Canadians are going to get a real break on everything they do. 

We also know that there’s more we need to do, particularly for working Canadians. So, if you worked in 2023 and earned up to $150,000, we’re going to be sending you a check for $250 in just a few months. Our government can’t set prices at checkout, but we can put more money in people’s pockets. 

The Working Canadians Rebate of $250, which will be sent to people in April, is going to give people that relief they need. And the tax break over the next two months is going to help on the costs of everything as we approach the holidays, as we get into the new year. These are things that recognize that people are squeezed and we’re there to help. Money that will help people buy the things they need and save up for the things they want. And the final comment is that I really hope that all parties in the House get behind this so we can pass this quickly, so that Canadians can get this relief as soon as December 14.