The Ford government is planning on sending Ontario taxpayers a $200 rebate cheque in the mail starting early next year.
Premier Doug Ford made the announcement Tuesday alongside Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy — a day before the province tables its fall economic statement.
The $200 aside, the province is also proposing an additional $200 for each eligible child. Eligible Ontarians would receive the rebates at the start of 2025.
“For an eligible family of five these rebates work out to be approximately $1,000,” Ford told reporters Tuesday.
“We’re doing everything we can to keep costs down for Ontario families, but the federal carbon tax and high interest rates are still hurting taxpayers across the province.”
Everyone will get rebate — including billionaires
The government said this rebate is expected to cost $3 billion in support for around 12.5 million adults and 2.5 million children.
“At a time when the cost of living remains stubbornly high, our government is taking action for the families and workers of this province with much-needed relief to their household budgets,” said Bethlenfalvy.
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“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.”
The government said those eligible for the tax-free taxpayer rebate must be 18 years or older at the end of 2023. They must also be a resident in Ontario on Dec. 31, 2023, have filed their 2023 Income Tax and Benefit Return by Dec. 31, 2024, and not be bankrupt or incarcerated in 2024.
When asked if Ontarians accused of a crime who are out on bail would receive the rebate, Ford said: “If they committed a crime and they’ve been convicted, no.”
As well, families who qualify for a Canada Child Benefit payment for 2024 would receive an additional $200 for each eligible child under age 18, the province said.
When asked by a reporter why millionaires or billionaires would be given the rebate, Ford said “because they’re taxpayers.”
“These are tax dollars going back to the taxpayers, and we’re going to give it back to every single person in Ontario,” Ford said in response.
Opposition criticizes ‘gimmick’
The rebate cheques, which were announced as rumours of a potential early election continue at Queen’s Park, led opposition parties to call the payment a “gimmick.”
“I think people are tired of politicians coming up with schemes like this that are so cynical — they want to see real answers, they want to see bold solutions,” Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles said.
“This is a government that is out of ideas, out of gas and I think out of time.”
Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie said the money was an attempt by Premier Ford to win favour and suggested it was a “one-time gimmick” by the government.
“The premier is attempting to bribe Ontarians with their own money, this is taxpayer money,” she told reporters.
“I would say the pace lately has been frenetic with things that the government has been throwing against the wall to see what interested them. We won’t be talking about these kind of gimmicks because we’re here to talk about health care.”
Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner said it was “ridiculous” that millionaires would be included on the list of those who get cheques.
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