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Podcast: North Star with Ellin Bessner
Episode: âHanukkah bushesâ get a GST/HST tax break? This Jewish retailer is adding real holiday items to the list
Description: Some Canadians might be excited about this seasonâs federal tax breakâan initiative that makes certain items GST/HST-free from Dec. 14, 2024, until Feb. 15, 2025. Youâll find prepared meals, books, video games and kidsâ clothing on the list. âChristmas and similar decorative treesâ are also included, which includes an unexpected nod to the Jewish community: âHanukkah trees or bushesâ.
The tax departmentâs gesture prompted many Jewish Canadians to scratch their heads. Whatâs a Hanukkah bush? Have you ever seen one for sale in a store? Was this a just misguided stab at being inclusive for the holiday season...