In this episode, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt tackle how GST rebates are affecting new homebuyers, tracing the history of these incentives and how inflation has quietly eroded their value. With fresh rebate structures now on the table—especially for first-time buyers—they examine what’s working, what’s not, and what’s politically possible. And, of course they have some suggestions on how policy could be shaped to benefit everyone.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:52 A new home in the GTHA for under $450k - impossible
02:23 Understanding GST rebates, their history and impact
04:17 Why are the rebates so small?
06:56 Bill c-4’s first-time-homebuyer rebate
08:09 What the proposed GST rebate misses - seniors downsizing
10:45 Proposed changes to GST rebates
13:00 Will governments make these proposed changes?
14:30 Sabrina’s take
15:37 Concerns about inflation and housing demand
Research/Links:
Is Ontario Ready to Spend $895M to Jumpstart Homebuilding?
The PBOs Math Is Clear: We Need an Expanded GST Housing Rebate
Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux
Produced by Meredith Martin
This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.
