Canadians call out Trudeau for post about GST cut on groceries

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s social media post about his government’s upcoming GST tax break on groceries is not sitting well with many Canadians.

“In under two weeks, you’ll be paying less for groceries at the register,” stated Trudeau in an X post on Thursday.

“Canadians are getting a tax break — starting December 14.”

The Tax Break For All Canadians Act will make certain items tax-free between December 14, 2024, and February 15, 2025.

Some highlights from the list of products eligible for the tax exemption include various food items, beer and wine, restaurant meals (dine-in, take-out, or delivery), essential childcare items, and even Christmas trees.

However, Canadians reacted to Trudeau’s post by noting that many “basic” groceries in Canada, such as fresh, frozen, canned, and vacuum-sealed fruits and vegetables, breakfast cereals, most milk products, fresh meat, poultry and fish, and eggs, are already tax-free.

X even tacked on a community note to Trudeau’s post, highlighting that readers “added context” to his message, pointing out that “most groceries are already exempt of GST.”

The GST break will cover other food items like candy, snacks (potato chips and popcorn), cakes, and prepared foods. A full list can be found here.

“Most groceries are already exempt from GST, so there’s little benefit,” stated one person.

“Canadians are struggling and hungry and your response is to give a GST break on beer, junk food, and take out…things Canadians can’t afford,” wrote another.

“Basic groceries aren’t taxed… this means nothing,” said one commenter.

Another person said they didn’t want a tax break on “Doritos or junk food.”

Others commented that they wouldn’t be saving much on their grocery bills with the new exemption.

While some Canadians aren’t buying into Trudeau’s tax holiday, they’ll likely not be pleased that they will be paying more for groceries next year.

According to the recently released Canada’s Food Price Report (CFRP), overall food prices will increase by 3% to 5%, with the average family of four expected to spend $16,833.67 in 2025 — an increase of up to $801.56 from last year.

The most significant price increases are from 4% to 6% in categories such as bakery, dairy, meat, restaurants, and vegetables.

With files from Isabelle Docto

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