HST holiday is coming to an end in Ontario [Video]

The HST holiday comes to an end in Ontario this weekend.

The federal government implemented the tax break to help Canadians deal with household costs amid the high cost of living.

But the break ends on Saturday.

The five per cent federal goods and services tax (GST) was waived on some products between Dec. 14 and Feb. 15. For Ontario and other provinces with harmonized provincial and federal sales tax (HST), the full HST was waived.

Items included in the HST holiday were prepared foods, restaurant meals, some snacks, beer, wine and cider, as well as some pre-mixed alcoholic beverages, children’s clothing and footwear, car seats and diapers, some children’s toys, such as board games, dolls, puzzles and video game consoles, some books and newspapers and Christmas trees.

While consumers enjoyed slightly lower prices, business owners said it was a lot of work for little gain.

The relief period was announced on Nov. 21 and many retailers were scrambling to make changes …