As the cost of living continues to rise, many students are feeling the pinch. The Ontario government is offering a $200 rebate cheque to help ease the financial strain, but how much impact will it really have?
This $200 rebate cheque is designed to help families cope with the rising cost of living, particularly due to high interest rates and the federal carbon tax.
The cheques are being mailed to eligible Ontarians who filed their 2023 Income Tax and Benefit Return by December 31, 2024. Families with children under 18 will receive an additional $200 for each child.
Keiran Popela, a Durham College student and member of the rugby team heard about the cheque but wasn’t too optimistic about its impact.
“Oh yeah, I heard about it! It’s a nice gesture, but honestly, $200 doesn’t go very far these days. My grocery bill is more than that!”
Popela’s reaction is shared by many students who feel that while the rebate is appreciated, it doesn’t go far enough to cover rising living expenses.
On the other hand, Aaryaman Mehta, a Trent University student, was unaware of the rebate but was surprised to learn about it.
“Wait, we’re getting $200? That’s great! But, how do we get it? They should really do more to let people know about this.” Mehta said, highlighting the lack of awareness among some students about the rebate, leaving them uncertain about how to claim it.
As the cheques are expected to arrive by the end of January or early February, it remains to be seen how much they will truly help students struggling with the rising cost of living.
For a family of two adults and three children, the rebate could add up to $1,000, if eligible. However, for many students, the rebate might still feel like a small step in addressing the growing financial challenges they face.
Some view it as a small but appreciated gesture, while others feel it’s just a drop in the bucket.
As Ontario families wait for their cheques, only time will tell if this financial boost will provide meaningful support during these tough times.