Ending the GST/HST on all food is one of the simplest, fairest and most effective measures the federal government can take immediately

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By: Sylvain Charlebois

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About a year ago, Canada experimented with something rare in federal policymaking: A temporary GST holiday on prepared foods.

It was short-lived and poorly communicated, yet Canadians noticed it immediately.

One of the most unavoidable expenses in daily life — food — became marginally less costly. Families felt a modest but genuine reprieve. Restaurants saw a bump in customer traffic. For a brief moment, Canadians experienced what it feels like when government steps back from taxing something as basic as eating.

Then the tax returned — this time coupled with opportunistic pricing — restoring a policy that quietly but reliably makes the cost of living more expensive for everyone.

In many ways, the

© Windsor Star