Before I begin, I would like to say a few words about the Canadian economy. In October, inflation was at two per cent. That means that for 10 months now, inflation has been within the Bank of Canada’s target range. That’s good news for Canadians. Because of that, interest rates are coming down. Canada was the first G7 country to cut interest rates four times, and that’s also good news for Canadians and Canadian business owners.
Specifically, this legislation removes the GST/HST on holiday essentials, like groceries, restaurant meals, drinks, snacks, children’s clothing, and gifts, from December 14, 2024, until February 15, 2025.
We are making it easier for homeowners to add secondary suites, rental apartments, in-law suites, laneway homes. Today we are announcing we are doubling the loan limit for the Canada Secondary Suite Loan Program to $80,000. This program offers 15-year loan terms at just two per cent. That makes it easier for homeowners to add a secondary suite. It’s going to be administered by CMHC and it will launch in early 2025.
Today, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, announced the 2024 Fall Economic Statement will double the loan limit for the Canada Secondary Suite Loan Program to $80,000, and launch the program in early 2025. This will make it easier for homeowners to convert an unused basement into a rental apartment or a garage into a laneway home to increase density in our communities.
Inflation was two per cent in October. This means that inflation has been within the Bank of Canada’s target range for the past ten months, or the entire year. Notably, interest rates have already declined four times, and Canada was the first G7 country to cut interest rates.
Our government will continue working to ensure Canadian financial consumers are treated fairly, by ensuring Canadians have access to high-quality, affordable banking options.
The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, will present the 2024 Fall Economic Statement on Monday, December 16, 2024.
Bill C-78 proposes a two-month tax break to all Canadians, from December 14, 2024, to February 15, 2025. With a GST/HST exemption across the country, Canadians will be able to buy essentials like groceries, prepared foods, snacks, and kids’ clothing—all tax-free.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance will make a housing announcement in advance of the 2024 Fall Economic Statement. She will be joined by the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, Sean Fraser.
Today, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, announced an investment of up to $240 million in Cohere, a Toronto-based AI leader—the first investment through the new $2 billion Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy launched yesterday.
