The Ontario government is mailing $200 rebate cheques to eligible residents, aiming to ease financial burdens amid rising living costs.
Premier Doug Ford and Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy announced this plan last October. They said it’s a way to help Ontarians facing high living costs.
A spokesperson mentioned that the government wants to put money back in taxpayers’ pockets. However, they didn’t give a specific date for when the cheques will arrive.
Every taxpayer will get a cheque, no means testing involved. Families will receive an extra $200 for each eligible child.
This initiative will cost around $3 billion. Ford noted that the funds will come from increased sales tax revenue due to inflation and changes to the capital gains tax.
Some folks think these rebates might be a sign of an early election in 2025, but Ford denied that idea.
Opposition leaders aren’t too happy about it. They say it distracts from real issues like healthcare and housing. Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie called it a “pre-election bribe.”
NDP Leader Marit Stiles believes these rebates won’t solve the affordability crisis. Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner criticized sending cheques to everyone, not just those in need.
