Campaign Update
Below you'll find all Tax Free Therapy Campaign Updates
Campaign Success: GST/HST Exemption for Counselling and Psychotherapy Services becomes Canadian Law
Today, is a historic day for mental health care. The Government of Canada has passed Bill C-59 An Act to Implement Certain Provisions to the Fall Economic Statement that removes the GST/HST on counselling therapy and psychotherapy services in provinces that regulate the profession. This is a significant achievement for CCPA’s decade of work and advocacy efforts.
“We are thrilled that Bill C-59 has received royal assent.” expressed Carrie Foster, President of CCPA. “This bill will transform the mental health care landscape in Canada by removing financial barriers that prevent many individuals from providing and accessing vital therapy services. As President of CCPA, I am grateful for the support of all Members of Parliament in recognizing the importance of this issue.”
The CCPA looks forward to continuing the conversation with Parliamentarians and working towards a more accessible mental health care landscape in Canada.
CCPA on Parliament Hill
Please click on the photo above to watch the full press conference.
CEO Dr. Kim Hollihan and Director of Public Affairs, Lindsey Thomson, of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) were on Parliament Hill this morning to recognize the government’s plans to exempt psychotherapy and counselling services from GST/HST. This is a pivotal announcement made by Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland in the 2023 Fall Economic Statement. This announcement, once codified in legislation, will impact hundreds of thousands of people across the country who require therapy services.
CCPA applauds the government in taking this important step on the road to mental health parity.
Date: November 23, 2023
Minister of Finance Announces Tax Exemption for Psychotherapy and Counselling Services in 2023 Fall Economic Statement
Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland tabled the 2023 Fall Economic Statement yesterday, announcing the government’s plans to make psychotherapy and counselling services exempt from GST/HST. As the national association for professional counsellors and psychotherapists and the leading advocate for this exemption, the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) is eager to see this become reality.
Date: November 22, 2023
MP Stephen Ellis speaks on Bill C-323
An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act (mental health services), during the remaining time for its Second Reading in the House of Commons.
C-323 will be voted on September 27th, 2023, to be sent to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance for further debate.
Date: September 25, 2023
GST/HST Tax-Free Therapy Campaign Update
On March 6, 2023, our petition to remove GST/HST from counselling and psychotherapy services was tabled in the House of Commons by MP Lindsay Mathyssen.
On April 19, 2023, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance formally responded to our public petition.
MP Mathyssen Presents a Petition on the Removal of GST/HST for all Counselling Therapists and Psychotherapists.
House of Commons Sitting MP Mathyssen Petition
Date: March 6, 2023
Update on GST Exemption from Lindsey Thomson, Director of Public Affairs
Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland tabled the 2023 Fall Economic Statement yesterday, announcing the government’s plans to make psychotherapy and counselling services exempt from GST/HST.
Click below to watch an update from Lindsey Thomson, Director of Public Affairs for CCPA.
Date: November 22, 2023
Update on Bill C-323 from Lindsey Thomson, Director of Public Affairs
Bill C-323, An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act (mental health services), will be sent to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance for further debate.
Click above to watch an update from Lindsey Thomson, Director of Public Affairs.
Date: September 28, 2023
Press Conference announcing launch of Countdown to 2025
Please click on the photo to view the press conference.
On August 23, 2023, we launched a countdown timer to 2025. This countdown will be displayed on the main page of our website to track the urgency of removing GST/HST from counselling and psychotherapy services before the next federal election is called.
MP Stephen Ellis speaks on Bill C-323
An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act (mental health services), during it’s Second Reading in the House of Commons
Date: April 25, 2023