Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was at the Sherwood Co-op in Regina to highlight their grocery rebate and other affordability measures from its 2023 budget.
“The rising cost of living has been made worse in recent years by the pandemic and Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine. Even though analysts are predicting good news as inflation is coming down steadily, we know that food prices are still stubbornly high.”
Trudeau also met with Regina families struggling with the cost of living.
“I met with families here for whom paying the bills is not always easy, as they told me groceries remain a huge part of their budget,” he said. “That’s why we created the new grocery rebate, which will allow an eligible couple with two children to receive up to $467.”
The Grocery Rebate would see a one-time payment of up to an extra $467 for eligible couples with two children; up to an extra $234 for single Canadians without children; and an extra $225 for seniors, on average.
“This is a measure that will help make life more affordable for around 11 million individuals and families. We hope all parliamentarians will do the right thing and help us pass legislation quickly. With the new grocery rebate so Canadians can get the needed support as soon as possible.”
Trudeau also highlighted other affordability measures the federal government has already made.
“For small businesses, we’re lowering credit card transaction fees; for students, we’re increasing federal student loans and grants, and we’ve permanently eliminated interest on student and apprentice loans, which went into effect earlier this month,” he said. “We also announced the dental care plan to make sure that everyone can afford to see a dentist. Our dental plan will cover uninsured Canadians with family incomes under $90,000 annually, and if your family makes under $70,000 a year, costs will be fully covered.”
“Tomorrow, a family of four here in Saskatchewan will get their spring climate action incentive payment worth $340. In total, this year, a family of four in Saskatchewan gets over 1300 dollars back while we fight pollution. See, we’re fighting climate change with a price on pollution while making life more affordable for the middle class and those working hard to join it,” he continued.
“We believe in fighting climate change and putting more money in the pockets of middle-class Canadians while we’re at it,” Trudeau added.
As part of his visit to the Queen City, the Prime Minister will also be holding a town hall meeting later today with indigenous students.