The province has confirmed it is planning to give $200 carbon tax rebate cheques to taxpayers in the new year.
On Tuesday, the Ford government said it is doing “everything it can” to keep costs down for Ontarians, and that the rebate recommendations are part of its upcoming 2024 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review, according to a press release.
The government is also proposing to provide families with an additional $200 for each eligible child.
Eligible taxpayers must be 18 years old, an Ontario resident and have filed their 2023 taxes by the end of 2024, along with not being bankrupt or incarcerated this year.
Premier Doug Ford says that federal carbon tax and high interest rates are “hurting taxpayers across the province,” but hopes the rebate will help residents to make ends meet.
With Ontario families stuck shouldering the Liberal carbon tax and high interest rates, we’re stepping in to help.
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) October 29, 2024
Today, I announced that we’re providing Ontario taxpayers a $200 tax-free rebate, with another $200 for each eligible child, to help with their household budgets.… pic.twitter.com/MzFvBetNlM
If the proposal is approved, the government would begin allocating cheques to recipients in early 2025.
Read More
In total, the province says the rebate is expected to provide $3 billion in support for approximately 12.5 million adults and 2.5 million children.
The government says it’s able to provide the rebates because of higher-than-expected revenues as a result of inflation on provincial sales tax and the impact of recent changes to the federal government’s capital gains tax.
“We encourage taxpayers to watch their mailboxes for this taxpayer rebate in early 2025 as we continue making life more affordable for Ontarians while retaining prudent, responsible fiscal management,” Peter Bethlenfalvy, minister of finance, said in the press release.
Read More
However, some Ontario residents have been reacting to the announcement with minimal enthusiasm.
“We wouldn’t have the carbon tax if you hadn’t scrapped the perfectly fine cap and trade system we already had,” one X user wrote.
A cap-and-trade system requires governments to put a firm limit on the overall level of carbon pollution from industry and then reduces the cap yearly to hit a set pollution target. Ontario operated under this system until 2018.
Others said the money could be put to better use.
“I’d rather you fix health care and education,” one person wrote.
“Keep mine and put it towards family doctor procurement and paying nurses properly, thanks,” someone else said.
On the other hand, others received the news with some positivity.
“Thank you Dougie,” one X user commented.
“Still not voting for you…but thanks,” another person said.
As well as the rebate cheques, the provincial government is proposing to extend the temporary rate cuts on gas and fuel taxes until June 30, 2025, which it says will ensure that rates remain at nine cents per litre which will save households an average of $380 over the three-year period since the cut was implemented.
