THUNDER BAY — A local grocery store owner says anytime government cheques, such as the HST rebate, are sent out, he sees an uptick at the cash register.
Nick Turkovic, the owner/operator of Family Foods Centennial, said it’s a palpable difference, adding that the federal government’s one-time, promised grocery rebate cheque will help families in need get the groceries they need and help keep inflation at bay, at least temporarily.
“Pretty well anywhere in town it just seems to lead to an influx of grocery business, because obviously people have more money in their pocket and they’re buying the essentials they need — rent, food and clothing,” Turkovic said on Thursday, following remarks by Liberal Minster of Family, Children and Social Development Karina Gould, who stopped by the store to unveil the details of the grocery rebate.
The program is aimed at low- to moderate-income families and is expected, one officially approved, to be sent out to 11 million Canadians, rolled out through the GST/HST rebate program.
Couples with two children will get up to $467, single Canadians with no children will get $234 and seniors on average will receive $225.
Only those eligible for GST rebates will qualify, ruling out couples making $55,000 or more and most families making $65,000 or more.
According to a recent CTV News report, Canada’s Food Price Report estimates a family of four will spend up to $16,288 on food in 2023.
Gould said the plan was put in place to put money in the hands of people who need it most, without impacting the inflation rate.
“What it means for people who are living pay cheque to pay cheque, is that when they get that additional resource, they’re coming in and spending that money on the food that they need,” said Gould, who also visited Roots Community Centre and the Regional Food Distribution Association during her one-day tour promoting her party’s 2023 federal budget.
“For the 11 million Canadians who receive this, it makes a big difference in their lives.”
Gould acknowledged rising grocery prices are having an impact across the board. According to the Food Price Report, the average family of four will spend nearly $1,100 more on groceries this year than last.
“I’ve got a five-year-old and every time I go to the grocery store I have sticker shock as well. I have a five-year-old who really loves raspberries and raspberries in February are pretty expensive. We’re making different choices in our household as well. But there are a number of things that are impacting inflation right now,” Gould said.
She listed the war between Russia and Ukraine as a prime factor, affecting the food supply chain and energy costs around the world.
“Inflation isn’t a Canadian phenomenon. It’s happening right around the world … We’re looking at this as what targeted measures can we provide that will no impact inflation, but support those folks who need it the most,” Gould said. “I think what we’ve seen in Canada is because of the targeted measures we have taken it has not increased inflation and we’re starting to see that inflation come down.”
