Ontario taxpayers will want to keep their eye on the mail over the next month.
The provincial government announced on Friday it has begun sending $200 rebate cheques to millions of eligible residents to help offset the high cost of living.
“With Ontario families struggling due to the federal carbon tax, high interest rates and global economic uncertainty, our government is stepping up as part of our ongoing work to keep costs down and help families make ends meet,” Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said in a statement.
The cheques are being sent to all Ontarians who were 18 years or older on December 31, 2023 and who filed their 2023 income tax return by the end of last month. Anyone who claimed bankruptcy or who was incarcerated last year does not qualify for the rebate, the province said.
Families who qualify for the Canada Child Benefit payment will also be issued a separate $200 cheque for each eligible child under age 18 in their household.
Bethlenfalvy first announced the rebate as part of the Fall Economic Statement in October. It is expected to cost the provincial government roughly $3 billion, with money going to 15 million adults and children in Ontario. The measure has raised eyebrows as it comes at the same time the province is showing a $6.6 billion budget deficit.
Opposition leaders have criticized the rebate, suggesting the Doug Ford government is trying to "buy votes" ahead of an early election call. Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie previously said the cheques were a “bribe", while NDP Leader Marit Stiles said last fall people would rather see the cash spent on housing or the ongoing doctor shortage.
Premier Doug Ford released a video to social media to coincide with the Friday announcement. He hailed it "good news" and said Ontarians can spend the money on whatever they need most, such as gas, groceries, or repairs.
"This is one more way we are helping you keep more of what is yours and putting your money back in your pocket," Ford said.