Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Centennial!
The holiday season is always special in Scarborough–Rouge Park. It’s when families come together, neighbours spread kindness, and displays of holiday cheer highlight the warmth that defines our community.
I’d like to especially thank everyone who donated to our annual toy drive for children with sickle cell anemia at the Scarborough Health Network. Because of your generosity, they all had a very special Christmas!
Tax Break for Canadians
The past few years have been challenging. Even as inflation cools and interest rates come down, I know many Canadians are still feeling the pressure of higher prices. While our government can’t control the prices at the checkout, we can help you keep more this Christmas as you buy the things you need and want.
From December 14, to February 15, GST/HST will be exempt across the country on essentials like groceries, snacks and kids’ clothing. This new tax break will apply to:
- Prepared foods, including pre-made meals.
- Restaurant meals, whether dine-in, takeout or delivery.
- Snacks, including chips, candy and granola bars.
- Beer, wine, cider and pre-mixed alcoholic beverages below 7% ABV.
- Children’s clothing and footwear, car seats, diapers and toys.
- Books, print newspapers and puzzles.
We are also announcing the Working Canadians Rebate. In early spring, Canadians who worked in 2023 and earned up to $150,000 will receive a $250 payment, giving 18.7 million Canadians extra help to buy what they need.
Expanding Rouge Park
In November, we took a major step to grow the Rouge National Urban Park, a cherished part of our community: 119 hectares of land is now approved to be transferred to the park, further protecting vital green spaces in Canada’s busiest and largest urban area.
In addition, the federal government is investing $949,940 to restore critical habitats along the Rouge River and West Duffins Creek Watersheds. These efforts will help mitigate flooding, plant new trees, and strengthen the ecological integrity of many habitats. Together, these actions are restoring park ecosystems and creating vibrant spaces.
Indigenous-Led Conservation
Indigenous Peoples have been stewards of the land for millennia. In the Northwest Territories, I was proud to sign Canada’s largest Indigenous-led conservation agreement to protect land and water in the North. This historic agreement, known as NWT: Our Land for the Future, safeguards an area four times the size of Nova Scotia, creates hundreds of jobs, and, most importantly, restores Indigenous leadership in conservation.
Supporting Small Businesses
Small businesses are anything but small – they represent 98% of all businesses and employ 10.7 million people across Canada. That’s why, in 2019, we reduced small business taxes from 11% to 9%. Now, we’re lowering their credit card transaction fees and issuing the Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses.
In October, we reduced credit card transaction fees by up to 27% for over 90% of small businesses. These changes mean real savings: a store processing $300,000 in card payments each year could save as much as $1,080 annually with these reductions.
This December, the Government of Canada will return over $2.5 billion to small businesses through the Canada Carbon Rebate. The rebate will be entirely tax-free and calculated based on the number of employees each business has.
Businesses that filed their 2023 tax return by July 15 will receive their payment by direct deposit by December 16, while those receiving cheques will get their payment by December 31.