Ontario has started sending out $200 cheques

The Ontario government has started sending out $200 cheques to taxpayers in a move they say is aimed at addressing the high cost of living.

In a statement, the province cited “thee federal carbon tax, high interest rates and global economic uncertainty” as justification for the rebates.

The cheques are being sent out to eligible Ontario residents. That includes people who were residents of Ontario and were at least 18 years old at the end of 2023. To qualify, you must also have filed your 2023 income tax return by the end of last year. Those who were bankrupt or incarcerated in 2024 are not eligible.

Families who qualify for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment will also receive a separate cheque of $200 for each eligible child under the age of 18.

Premier Doug Ford announced the rebates back in October. Sending them out will cost the provincial government $3 billion.

The cheques go out as speculation grows that Ford will call an early election for Ontario. He said this week that in the face of tariff threats from president-elect Donald Trump, he would need a mandate to spend billions of dollars to boost Ontario’s economy.

Still, he said Ontario has a number of strengths if things do escalate. He pointed to critical minerals, energy, and the fact that so many U.S. states count Canada as their number one export market.

The province said residents can track their cheques online to see when they will arrive.

~WakenyaCanada