The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is applauding the New Democratic Party’s pledge to cut the provincial portion of the HST from children’s essentials and is calling on all other political parties to make the same commitment.

“Scrapping the sales tax on kids’ clothing, footwear, car seats and other essentials is a common-sense way to ease the cost-of-living crisis facing families,” said Devin Drover, CTF Atlantic Director. “We commend Jim Dinn and the NDP for putting this idea forward. Taxpayers are calling on the Liberals and Progressive Conservatives to match this commitment.”

Removing the tax on children’s essentials would save parents 10 cents on every dollar at the checkout. Parents are planning to spend an average of $743 on school supplies this year. That means the average savings under the NDP plan would be $74.

Newfoundland and Labrador is tied with Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick for the highest sales tax in Canada at 15 per cent. The Nova Scotia government cut the HST on all goods and services by one percentage point earlier this year.

“The cost of raising a family has never been higher and government should not be making it worse by taxing the basics,” said Drover. “This is a practical step to help parents and voters deserve to know that all parties will support it.”

The next provincial election in Newfoundland and Labrador is set to take place by Oct. 14, 2025.