Has the GST tax holiday helped businesses 1 month in? What retailers say – National [Video]

The federal government’s GST tax “holiday” has been in place for a month and businesses say they’ve seen mixed results when it comes to increases in sales.

The “holiday” was announced in late November and goes from Dec. 14 to Feb. 14, with items such as children’s toys, restaurant food, snacks and wine free from either the government sales tax (GST) or harmonized sales tax (HST), depending on the province.

Restaurants Canada said they’ve heard in surveys of members about a boost in sales ranging from seven to nine per cent, and an increase in reservations as well.

The organization represents nearly 100,000 foodservice businesses.

Kelly Higginson, president and CEO of Restaurants Canada, said the boost has been apparent both during the holidays and after.

“Not only are we seeing an increase, but we’re seeing it at a time of year that is really unpredictable and very challenging for our operators, again, and …