The Ford government is preparing to give every resident of Ontario $200.
The Premier says it is to provide some relief to the high cost of living.
“These are tax dollars going back to the taxpayers,” says Ford.
“We’re going to give it back to every single person in Ontario. And if they have a child, they’re getting an additional because life’s too expensive right now.”
Pending legislation, the rebate cheques will be mailed out to those who complete their tax returns in early 2025.
The province says $3 billion in support for approximately 12.5 million adults and 2.5 million children will be issued.
Ford downplays the time of the announcement and dismisses the notion of trying to buy votes ahead of a possible spring election.
“We’ve done this from day one. Six years ago, when we started, we started to put money back into people’s pockets. We put $1,600 into every transit rider’s pockets in a family of two, $3,200 a family of four.”
The province says it is able to provide taxpayers with some relief because of higher-than-expected revenues received over the past year.
Those eligible for the rebate must be 18 years or older at the end of 2023 and be a resident of Ontario.
Families who qualify for a Canada Child Benefit payment for 2024 will receive an additional $200 for every child in their family.
