Sask. NDP bangs drum to eliminate PST from kids clothing this Christmas

Saskatchewan’s NDP Leader Carla Beck is banging the drum for the Sask. Party to immediately and permanently remove Provincial Sales Tax (PST) from children’s clothing in time for Christmas.

“We’ve heard from so many hard working parents, grandparents even, who are worried about the cost of living,” Beck said.

Beck said removing the PST on these clothing items is a “simple” and “targeted step” that could provide relief for families in need, noting it is a measure that could be implemented outside of the legislature.

“This is a tax that costs Saskatchewan families $22 million dollars every year,” she said.

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Beck’s announcement follows the province’s last legislative fall sitting, where the NDP called for immediate affordability measures.

Beck criticized the Sask. Party for blocking such motions, like suspending the 15 cent-a-litre tax and scrapping PST on other products like ready-to-eat-grocery foods.

“Essentials like children’s clothing shouldn’t have been taxed in the first place,” Beck said to reporters on Wednesday, pointing to its implementation in 2017.

However, last week, bills related to affordability were passed by the Sask. Party government – one being the Saskatchewan Affordability Act, implementing 13 affordability commitments, which includes a personal income tax reduction.

“These commitments are in addition to more than $2 billion in affordability measures already included in each and every budget,” an emailed statement from the Government of Saskatchewan read.

“These permanent affordability measures are also complemented with the removal of the carbon tax on home heating saving households $400 this year and almost $500 next year.”

Beck said the Sask. Party’s affordability plan won’t save Saskatchewan residents money for another 15 months.

“Saskatchewan families can’t wait until 2026 for this relief,”  Beck said. “They need it now.”

Canadians will receive a temporary GST break starting this Saturday, as the Federal Government will remove GST from products like children’s clothing, restaurant meals, beer and wine.

The GST relief will run until Feb 15.

Every penny counts

Janel Edwards, the owner of Reclaim Maternity Baby Kids clothing in Saskatoon said, “Every little penny counts,” especially for parents.

Edwards said her store has been open for just over two years, and she has seen a downtrend of sales with buyers only purchasing the bare necessities or resorting to buy now, pay later services like Afterpay.

“I had someone yesterday put a bottle on Afterpay – that’s insane,” she said. “That hurts my heart. That’s a necessity, clothes are a necessity for your kiddos.”

Edwards said having a PST tax cut could give parents the chance to purchase an extra set of clothes for daycare, winter gear, a backup pair of sneakers, or a proper sized car seat for their  growing children.

 — With files from the Canadian Press