SASKATOON — The provincial government announced on Monday, Jan. 26, that it is adding exemptions to the new federal GST affordability measure, the same day Ottawa released the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit measure when Parliament resumed its session
Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled the affordability measure, which includes a 25 per cent increase in GST credit amounts over the next five years and a one-time 50 per cent top-up this year, to ensure low-income families and residents receive the full benefit of the increased federal support.
Social Services Minister Terry Jenson said the provincial government welcomed Ottawa’s move to support Canadians during economic uncertainty and rising cost of living. He, however, reiterated that Saskatchewan remains one of the most affordable provinces in the country.
“Every little bit of support helps. Today's announcement reflects our shared concern about rising costs and puts more money directly into the pockets of individuals and families,” said Jenson, adding that the measure will provide more support for groceries and essentials for low to modest-income Canadians.
“We understand the financial stress on families, right now. We hear the real-life struggles that Saskatchewan people are experiencing and deserve relief from. That's why our government has been working extremely hard to keep Saskatchewan the most affordable province in Canada.”
The Warman MLA said affordability is one of the issues the Saskatchewan Party campaigned on, and they are committed to and have delivered meaningful, long-term affordability solutions since maintaining their hold on the Legislature.
Jenson mentioned the government increasing the Saskatchewan low-income tax credit and the broader suite of affordability measures in its budget, as well as the Saskatchewan Affordability Act, which puts more money in the pockets of the province’s residents, and strengthened support for families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Building on the federal announcement, Jenson said the province confirmed it would exempt groceries and other essential items for residents who are enrolled in the Saskatchewan Income Support and the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability Programmes.
“We understand the financial stress families are under. We hear the real-life struggles Saskatchewan people are experiencing, and they deserve relief. This is another affordability measure our government is implementing for low-income families across Saskatchewan,” said Jenson.
“The announcement is part of the Saskatchewan government’s own affordability measures, and the exemption will be applied automatically. Every little bit helps, whether it’s from the federal level or the provincial level. We will continue to listen to Saskatchewan people and act where we can to reduce financial pressure for individuals and families.”
The Saskatchewan NDP, however, downplayed the provincial government’s announcement, with Social Services Shadow Minister Erika Ritchie saying in a statement that Saskatchewan residents report higher financial anxiety than residents of other provinces in the country.
“We’ve seen 42 straight months of rent increases. Four in 10 people report piling on debt just to put food on the kitchen table. Still, Scott Moe and his ministers pile tens of millions in taxes on food and clothing for kids. They download costs on municipal governments and drive up property taxes. The Saskatchewan Party must be listening to their friends and insiders when they claim life in Saskatchewan is plenty affordable — they certainly aren’t listening to everyday Saskatchewan families,” said Ritchie.
