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INSIDE THE VILLAGE: Excited about the GST holiday? Not everyone is celebrating

This week on the podcast: The Trudeau government wants to help ease your pain at the cash register this holiday season — but small business owners aren't feeling so festive about the plan

Welcome back to Inside the Village, a one-of-a-kind podcast where all news is local — and no topic is off-limits.

On this week's episode: Not everyone is thrilled about the so-called GST holiday.

Championed by the Trudeau government as a way to ease affordability concerns during the Christmas season, the two-month tax break will cover dozens of items, including children's clothes and toys, video games and consoles, restaurant and catered meals, wine, beer, candy and snacks. It would take effect on Dec. 14 and run until Feb. 15, 2025.

But while the plan may be a welcome relief for holiday shoppers, it's already proving to be a "nightmare" for small business owners.

Dan Kelly, president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, joins us on the podcast to explain why. And while he's here, we ask him about some other big issues — including the ongoing Canada Post strike and Donald Trump's proposed tariffs.

Inside the Village — hosted by Scott Sexsmith and Michael Friscolanti, the Editor-in-Chief of Village Media — is a news and current affairs podcast that provides a weekly window into some of the best local journalism from across our chain of Ontario newsrooms. Produced by Derek Turner, the program also explores bigger-picture issues that impact people across the province.

Every episode can be found HERE. If you prefer the audio version, it is available wherever you find your favourite podcasts.

Have something to say? You can reach us at [email protected].

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