Ontarians to Receive $200 Rebate Cheques in January and February
Millions of Ontarians can look forward to a little extra cash in their pockets as the provincial government plans to mail out $200 rebate cheques by late January or early February. Premier Doug Ford and Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy announced the tax-free rebates in October, citing higher-than-expected revenues and the impact of inflation on provincial sales tax as the reasons behind the initiative. Eligible recipients include Ontarians aged 18 and over who filed their 2023 tax returns, with an additional $200 per child. However, those who were bankrupt or incarcerated in 2024 will not receive a payment. The rebates are expected to cost the provincial treasury about $3 billion. While the government has denied any connection between the rebates and a potential early election, opposition leaders have criticized the move, calling it a distraction from pressing issues like health care and housing.