The federal government’s two-month sales tax holiday, which ends on Saturday, provided Canadians with a break on essential goods, including restaurant meals. David Halfyard, owner of The Cabin restaurant in Fredericton, noted that while customers enjoyed the 15 percent discount, he was unsure if it would change their habits. Despite a decrease in sales during the tax break period, Halfyard believed it helped bring in some extra business. However, he acknowledged that people are cautious about spending due to uncertainties in the current economic climate. The impact of the tax holiday on spending will be officially reported by Statistics Canada at a later date, but early data from Restaurants Canada showed a positive impact on reservations. Some customers welcomed the tax break as relief from high food prices, while others felt it didn’t make much of a difference. The Retail Council of Canada director suggested lowering corporate taxes instead of offering consumer tax breaks to benefit businesses. Overall, there is uncertainty over the future economic landscape, especially with looming threats and tariffs from the United States. (Enviado por Tim Rissesco)
Rissesco le gustaría ver que se continúe con la reducción del HST, pero también le gustaría ver un apoyo a largo plazo para comprar localmente para luchar contra los aranceles entrantes de los Estados Unidos, y piensa que el Gobierno de Canadá podría ser un gran jugador en esa iniciativa.
“Cada vez es más difícil para las personas mantenerse en el negocio y cualquier cosa que el gobierno pueda hacer para fomentar a la gente [a comprar local] sería bienvenida en nuestros centros comerciales y calles principales.”