While I welcome the Liberal government's announcement of a two-month GST/HST holiday on essential goods -this initiative does not go far enough.
What about Canadians who have disabilities, seniors, and persons without an income -all the people who need financial help more than ever? I stood up in the House of Commons to ask the government why they have been left behind. You can see me in the House of Commons, asking my question here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKj_hhRuBjU
We have all noticed a troubling trend in our visits to grocery stores lately—our grocery bills have increased by 15 to 25% over the past few years. A lot of this is due to food price gouging by big grocery chains. Families are struggling. More Canadians, including those with decent-paying jobs, are relying on food banks for their necessities. It's not just seniors or those on fixed incomes; families, young people, and even those working full-time are finding it difficult to make ends meet.
Jagmeet Singh and the NDP have been pushing for supports for Canadian families- including taking the GST off essential items.
While I welcome the Liberal government's announcement of a two-month GST/HST holiday on essential goods like children’s clothing, diapers, toys, car seats, food, and beverages, this initiative does not go far enough. Yes, young families are suffering, but all Canadians face rising costs. Many of us are paying up to $200 a month just on cell phone and internet bills. Additionally, with the cold winter months upon us, Canadians are also burdened with high home heating costs. GST/HST relief should apply to these essential services as well.
Furthermore, the $250 payment to individuals who earned less than $150,000 in 2023 will not do enough for seniors and people with disabilities who were unable to work. These vulnerable groups are the ones who often need financial support the most.
The NDP and I are continuing to push the Liberal government to implement permanent GST/HST relief for home heating, internet, and cell phone services—not just temporary relief on a limited range of some essentials.
We have fought successfully for Dental Care, Pharmacare for people with diabetes, and for building much more affordable housing- with rents capped at 30% of income.
I am committed to continue fighting for a more affordable country, where no one is left behind.
MP Peter Julian (New Westminster–Burnaby), MLA Raj Chouhan (Burnaby–New Westminster), and MLA Jennifer Whiteside (New Westminster–Coquitlam) are inviting the media to attend a special Flag Day rally on Saturday, February 15, 2025, to emphasize the importance of national unity in the face of ongoing tariff threats from the Trump administration.
Flag Day Rally Details:
Media Contact:
Doris Mah, Office of MP Peter Julian
Phone: 604-353-3107
Email: [email protected]
Dear Neighbours,
I hope you and your family are doing well.
It’s an honour to serve as your Member of Parliament in New Westminster – Burnaby, one of the most culturally diverse communities in Canada.
On Monday, New Democrats announced the implementation of the NDP’s national dental care program, which will save millions of families across Canada around $1,300 a year. In my riding of New Westminster – Burnaby, over 26,000 seniors, people living with a disability, and families struggling to pay the bills will no longer have to choose between a visit to the dentist or keep a roof over their head.
