Hard-working Canadians may be excited to learn they may be getting a bonus of $250 in their bank accounts in the springtime.

News that some workers will get $250 back from the federal government was shared in a news release on Nov. 21.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the Working Canadians Rebate, which will see a tax-free rebate for all Canadians who worked in 2023, and made less than $150,000 individual net income.

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It came with news that the government was offering a two-month tax break from GST/HST on select items beginning Dec. 14.

“With the Working Canadians Rebate, we are putting money directly into the pockets of the middle-class — those who have worked hard to beat inflation,” Trudeau said in the release. “This will give 18.7 million Canadians that extra help to buy what they need.

“We encourage Parliament and all parties to get this legislation passed quickly and unanimously so workers and working families get more money in their pocket.”

What we know:

• Eligible workers must earn less than $150,000 in individual net income
• Workers must have their 2023 tax return filed by Dec. 31, 2024
• Those who claimed the tax credit for Canada Pension Plan or Quebec Pension Plan contributions on employment or self-employment earnings are eligible
• Those who claimed the tax credit for Employment Insurance (EI) or Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP) premiums on employment or self-employment earnings are eligible
• Those who have reported income from EI or QPIP benefits are eligible
• You must be a resident of Canada on March 31, 2025
• Those who are incarcerated for a period of at least 90 days immediately prior to April 1, 2025 are not eligible
• Anyone who may be deceased as of April 1, 2025 is also ineligible

The Canada Revenue Agency is already working to be ready to automatically deliver the $250 Working Canadians Rebate in early spring 2025, via direct deposit or cheque, to the 18.7 million Canadian workers who satisfy the above eligibility requirements.

What we don’t know so far:

The Working Canadians Rebate has been proposed as legislation, and has not been officially approved yet in the House of Commons.

While a Department of Finance official said the draft legislation was tabled Nov. 22, formal legislation will be introduced shortly. We don’t know exactly when it will be on an agenda.

We don’t know yet if the majority will vote in favour of the proposed legislation.

On X, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh hinted that he would support the motion, saying his party fought for a tax cut and is getting it done.

The NDP is the party of the working class — we’re sick & tired of CEOs getting tax advantages while working people pay.

We fought for a tax cut & we’re getting it done — with the NDP, the people’s time is coming.

And, we’ll do what Liberals won’t — cut these taxes permanently. pic.twitter.com/BMpVuNZznU— NDP (@NDP) November 21, 2024

“And, we’ll do what Liberals won’t — cut these taxes permanently,” Singh said, hinting if his party is elected, the move would be more permanent.

Federal Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre was not in favour of the move, calling the tax proposal a “two-month, temporary tax trick,” on X.

Green Party leader Elizabeth May also condemned the move as people with disabilities who are unable to work won’t receive this proposed funding.

“It doesn’t address the root causes of rising costs, such as the economic and inflationary impacts of climate change, or provide Canadians with the structural changes they need to truly thrive,” she said on the party’s website.

She noted this measure would cost $4.68 billion — although the government of Canada has not shared how much the proposal would cost.

We also don’t know if some eligible workers might have to apply for this funding, or if it will be automatic for all eligible parties.