Will Working Canadians Receive $250 Cheques in 2025? Here’s the Truth.

As June 2025 arrives, many Canadians are still asking: Will working Canadians receive $250 cheques in 2025? Last year, the Liberal government under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau proposed the Working Canadians Rebate 2025, a $250 tax-free payment to help ease the cost of living for millions of workers. Announced with fanfare in November 2024, the plan promised relief for 18.7 million Canadians in early spring 2025. But by December 2024, the proposal was scrapped, leaving many wondering what happened and what’s next. With inflation steady at 2.5% in 2025 and living costs still high, this article uncovers the truth behind the $250 cheques Canada 2025, why they didn’t happen, what relief measures are available now, and how to stay informed without falling for scams. Let’s dive into the details.

The $250 Working Canadians Rebate: What Was Promised?

On November 21, 2024, the Canadian government announced the Working Canadians Rebate, a plan to send $250 tax-free cheques to eligible workers in early spring 2025. The initiative aimed to support 18.7 million Canadians who worked in 2023 and earned less than $150,000 in net income. Eligibility required individuals to:

• Have filed their 2023 tax return by December 31, 2024.
• Have claimed tax credits for Canada Pension Plan (CPP) or Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) contributions, or Employment Insurance (EI) or Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP) premiums.
• Reside in Canada on March 31, 2025, and not be incarcerated or deceased by April 1, 2025.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) was prepared to automatically distribute the payments via direct deposit or cheque, costing the government an estimated $4.68 billion. The rebate was part of a broader affordability package, including a GST/HST holiday from December 14, 2024, to February 15, 2025, aimed at easing financial pressures during the holiday season and beyond. Trudeau emphasized the government’s goal to “put more money in people’s pockets” at a time when inflation was squeezing household budgets, promising relief without stoking inflation further.

Why the $250 Cheques Were Cancelled

Despite the initial promise, the $250 cheques were never delivered. The proposal faced significant hurdles in Parliament and was ultimately axed. Here’s what happened:

• Lack of Parliamentary Support: The Liberals, leading a minority government, needed opposition support to pass the rebate legislation. The NDP and Bloc Québécois withheld support, demanding the program be expanded to include seniors, people with disabilities, and others on fixed incomes who didn’t work in 2023. The Conservatives opposed it outright, criticizing it as a “political handout” amid rising deficits.
• Fiscal Concerns: On December 16, 2024, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland excluded the rebate from the Fall Economic Statement, reversing the plan to stay within spending boundaries. The $4.68 billion cost was deemed unsustainable as deficits for 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 were projected to hit $60 billion—far exceeding the $40 billion target set earlier.
• Political Tensions: The rebate’s exclusion of vulnerable groups sparked backlash. Seniors like Neil Pierce of Edmonton) expressed outrage, calling it discriminatory, while NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh pushed for broader eligibility. The Liberal government prioritized the GST/HST holiday (Bill C-78), which passed without the cheques, to salvage part of their affordability package.

By late December 2024, the Working Canadians Rebate was officially cancelled, with no indication of revival in 2025. The government’s decision reflects a shift toward fiscal restraint and political compromise, but it left many working Canadians feeling let down.

Alternative Relief Measures in 2025

While the $250 cheques aren’t coming, Canadians have seen other forms of financial support in 2025:

• GST/HST Holiday (Ended): From December 14, 2024, to February 15, 2025, GST/HST was waived on items like children’s clothing, groceries, and restaurant meals, alcohol. A family spending $2,000 on eligible goods saved about $100–$260, depending on their province. This measure, costing $1.6 billion, provided temporary relief but ended before June.
• Ontario Taxpayer Rebate: Ontario residents received a one-time $200 rebate in early 2025 for adults who filed their 2023 taxes by December 31, 2024, plus $200 per child under 18. Many have already received this payment, offering some financial breathing room.
• Canada Disability Benefit (Starting July 2025): A new monthly benefit for low-income working-age adults with disabilities begins in July 2025, though critics argue it’s insufficient to address broader affordability issues.
• Existing Benefits: The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) offers up to $1,306.57 monthly for seniors over 65, while Old Age Security (OAS) provides up to $707.68 for those aged 65–74 (income under $83,150). The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) continues to support families with children under 18.

These measures provide targeted relief, but they don’t fully replace the broad impact the $250 rebate could have had. The GST/HST holiday’s expiration and the delay of the Canada Disability Benefit mean June 2025 offers limited direct federal support for most workers.

What’s Next for Canadian Workers?

As of June 2025, no new stimulus or rebate cheques are confirmed for working Canadians. However, there are a few developments to watch:

• Policy Shifts: With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stepping down as Liberal leader in March 2025, the Liberal Party is in transition. A new leader might revisit affordability measures, but there’s no guarantee of a similar rebate program.
• Economic Outlook: Inflation remains at 2.5%, within the Bank of Canada’s target range, but living costs are still high. The Bank of Canada’s rate cuts in 2024 haven’t yet fully eased financial pressures for households, and further cuts expected in June or July 2025 may influence future budgets.
• Provincial Support: Provinces like Ontario may continue or expand rebates, depending on local budgets. Check your province’s revenue department for updates on potential relief programs.

How to Stay Informed and Avoid Scams

With the $250 cheque plan cancelled, scammers may exploit confusion. Here’s how to protect yourself and stay updated:

• Verify Information: Rely on official sources like Canada.ca or CRA.ca for updates on Canadian government payments 2025. Avoid social media rumors about “new cheques.”
• Beware of Scams: The CRA never requests personal info via email, text, or phone. Scammers may pose as CRA agents promising a “$250 rebate” if you share your banking details—don’t fall for it.
• File Your Taxes: Many benefits require a filed tax return. Ensure your 2024 taxes are submitted on time to qualify for existing or future programs.
• Check CRA My Account: Monitor your CRA online account for payment notifications and eligibility updates.

Staying proactive and cautious ensures you don’t miss out on legitimate support while avoiding fraud.

FAQs About the $250 Cheques in 2025

Fact Check Details

• Claim: The $250 Working Canadians Rebate was proposed for 18.7 million Canadians in early spring 2025.
  • Verification: Announced by the Canadian government on November 21, 2024.
  • Link: Canada.ca
• Claim: The rebate was cancelled due to lack of parliamentary support.
  • Verification: Confirmed by CBC News and National Post in December 2024.
  • Link: CBC.ca
• Claim: Inflation in 2025 is 2.5%.
  • Verification: Based on recent economic trends.
  • Link: Statistics Canada
• Claim: The GST/HST holiday saved a family $100–$260 on $2,000 of eligible purchases.
  • Verification: Reported by the Canadian government in November 2024.
  • Link: Canada.ca