{"id":4318,"date":"2024-12-03T10:22:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-03T15:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/?post_type=ceo-notes&p=4318"},"modified":"2024-12-03T10:36:26","modified_gmt":"2024-12-03T15:36:26","slug":"the-government-of-canada-acknowledged-the-critical-importance-of-the-foodservice-industry-with-this-announcement","status":"publish","type":"ceo-notes","link":"https:\/\/www.restaurantscanada.org\/fr\/ceo-note\/the-government-of-canada-acknowledged-the-critical-importance-of-the-foodservice-industry-with-this-announcement\/","title":{"rendered":"The Government of Canada acknowledged the critical importance of the foodservice industry with this announcement"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It has been a busy time for the team at Restaurants Canada as we continue to advocate for our $114 billion foodservice industry, while ensuring we stay focused on our mission and vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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GST\/HST Tax Holiday<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As recently reported, just over a week ago the Government of Canada acknowledged the critical importance of the foodservice industry when it announced<\/a> it will cut GST and the GST portion of HST on all restaurant meals, as well as beer, wine, cider and pre \u2013packaged coolers under 7% alcohol from December 14 to February 15, known as the \u201cGST\/HST Tax Holiday.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The federal government did not have to include restaurants, and they did not have to include alcohol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The inclusion of restaurants and alcohol in the tax holiday was a direct result of Restaurants Canada\u2019s year-long lobbying on the impact our industry has on the social and economic fabric of Canada, and the need for support for our industry to continue serving our communities. Advocacy is a slow, steady, strategic and relentless process, and this is a prime example of what impactful, strategic advocacy looks like. This moment is the result of a team effort that requires support and funding. As we celebrate this win, we thank our members for their dedication and ongoing support, as well as our sponsors. Without you, none of this would be possible. You are part of this success, and your investment in the foodservice industry benefits the entire sector\u2014so celebrate it proudly!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, we were the only association invited to join the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister at the announcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Make no mistake\u2014this initiative will make a BIG difference for our industry at a time when it\u2019s needed most. According to our most recent REACT Survey<\/a>, restaurants are grappling with alarmingly low consumer demand, as Canadians dine out less while struggling with affordability. This tax holiday offers a compelling incentive for Canadians to enjoy a meal out or indulge in that drink or dessert they\u2019ve been skipping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our chief economist projects nearly $1 BILLION in additional sales for our industry as a result. This figure doesn\u2019t yet account for provinces that may choose to include provincial sales tax in the holiday, which could push this number significantly higher as more provinces come on board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Restaurants Canada Government Relations team is actively lobbying those provinces that have yet to commit to the holiday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read our most recent press release on the GST\/HST Tax Holiday win <\/strong>here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out our GST\/HST Tax Holiday resource support for restaurants <\/strong>here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ongoing advocacy and growing impact for restaurants.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We continue to advocate for meaningful change and expand the impact of this important win by urging provinces to follow the federal lead and exempt restaurant meals from provincial sales taxes. We are thrilled to share that we now have Ontario as well as Newfoundland and Labrador on board. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This initiative is expected to deliver a significant (and much-needed) boost to restaurant spending, with sales projected to rise by $1.5 billion during the tax holiday. This potential impact underscores the critical role restaurants play in Canada\u2019s economy. Generating $120 billion in annual sales and employing nearly 1.2 million workers, the restaurant industry is not only a key economic driver but also the fourth-largest private sector employer in the country. Our regional team has provided further details below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Upcoming webinars.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To support our members, we continue to host webinars that aim to address the questions and concerns operators face as they navigate the most pressing challenges in the foodservice industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Canadian GST\/HST Holiday \u2013 What it is and how to prepare<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 11 AM PST<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This 25-minute livestream by Squirrel POS will examine the new GST\/HST changes announced by the Canadian government as well as what operators need to know and how it might benefit your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch the livestream <\/strong>here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our most recent webinars are now available to watch on demand:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Immigration Cuts & What It Means for Canada\u2019s Foodservice Industry
<\/strong>Presented by Restaurants Canada with Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Saskatoon Immigration & Employment Consulting Services Inc.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlocking Cost Savings through Volume Pricing & Rebates<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Presented by Groupex Canada<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

COMING SOON: Managing the Impact of U.S. Tariffs on Canadian Foodservice<\/strong>
 Wednesday December 11th<\/sup> at 1:00PM EST.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How will the proposed U.S. tariffs impact Canada’s foodservice industry? Could shifting trade policies create significant challenges for operators and suppliers alike? Join this webinar as Restaurants Canada hosts leading experts to provide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n