Not everyone is a fan of the federal government’s new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit announced on Monday. Algonquin-Renfrew-Pembroke MP Cheryl Gallant says she’s heard from constituents wondering why the money is being given to only low income Canadians.
As the money is being delivered through an increase to the GST rebate, which most of the middle class don’t even qualify for. She’s also concerned about the prospect of more spending driving up inflation even further.
Gallant says a better approach would be to cut taxes on fuel and eliminate the extra regulations that have been placed on farmers, which cause food to be more expensive in the first place.
The boosted GST payments will begin this year with a one time top up of 50 percent in June. That will be followed by 25% increases in each of the next four years.
The package also includes $20-million for the Local Food Infrastructure Fund to support food banks and other programs that provide food to families.
Written by: Cindy Clyne