By Harinder Mahil

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a statement on November 21, 2024, in Toronto and stated that the federal government will remove the goods and services tax on several items for two months, starting Dec. 14, 2024. The government also plans to send $250 cheques to Canadians who were working in 2023 and earned up to $150,000.

The Prime Minister said: “Our government can’t set prices, but we can give Canadians, and especially working Canadians, more money back in their pocket. With a tax break for all Canadians and the Working Canadians Rebate, we’re making sure you can buy the things you need and save for the things you want.”

Although the GST break for two months is for everyone, $250 cheques will only be sent to those Canadians who worked in 2023 and earned up to $150,000. These measures come as the government grapples with persistent unpopularity in the polls and after two stinging defeats in recent by-elections.

The renewed focus on the cost of living is designed to bolster the government’s support among people who have been feeling the pinch after prices on everything have increased in recent years due to inflation.

My question to the Prime Minister is: why would funds not be sent to retired Canadians, students and those who are disabled and live on disability benefits?

Retirees, students and those with disabilities on fixed incomes face significant financial challenges due to rising costs, unexpected expenses and inadequate savings. Fixed incomes are derived from sources such as pensions, annuities, and social security benefits. Unlike salaries that may increase with inflation, fixed incomes remain stagnant or grow minimally. Cost-of living adjustments, if provided, often fail to keep pace with real inflation, particularly in areas such as healthcare, housing, food, and utilities.

Even some in opposition particularly Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party, are asking for changes to the program so that retirees, students and those on disabilities will also be sent $250 cheques. The government should not be forgetting about a substantial portion of the population who cannot supplement their income through employment. Seniors, students, and people with disabilities face same economic challenges as working Canadians.

I urge Prime Minister Trudeau to make change to the program and make sure seniors, students and people with disabilities are eligible for the funds like working Canadians. They should not be discriminated against and should be treated with dignity and respect.

Harinder Mahil is a human rights activist and is secretary of Dr. Hari Sharma Foundation.