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Commitment for Elimination of GST/HST from Psychotherapy/Counselling Services!
Yesterday was a momentous day for the profession of psychotherapy/counselling in Canada. After more than a decade of fighting for the removal of unfair financial barriers, the federal government finally listened to the OAMHP – and countless other voices - and has committed to removing GST/HST from psychotherapeutic services!
In the November 21 fall economic statement, Finance Minister, Chrystia Freeland announced an “affordability measure” that will remove GST/HST from psychotherapy and counselling, “to ensure Canadians can receive the support they need.” The magnitude of this recognition by the federal government cannot be overstated. Mental health IS health and Canadians should never have to pay taxes on mental health care. And, yesterday, the federal government acted by committing to removing the GST/HST.
Cautious Optimism – Status Quo until Further Notice
Make no mistake, this is GREAT news! However, there is one last hurdle before we fully celebrate. The 2023 Fall Economic Statement proposes that, “... psychotherapists and counselling therapists be added to the list of health care practitioners whose professional services rendered to individuals are exempt from the GST/HST. This measure would apply on royal assent of the enacting legislation.” (Full statement available here). This means that before our members can refrain from charging GST/HST, before we can let go of our collective breath, this bill needs to pass the appropriate hurdles.
So, although all signs point to this momentous barrier being removed, it won’t happen tomorrow. As your professional association, we will perform all due diligence to understand the process, and to support you in understanding what the next steps will be regarding the removal of GST/HST from psychotherapy/counselling services. We are actively staying current with the latest information and will share it with you as it becomes available. Stay tuned.
Deep Gratitude to Our Members!
A final note: none of this could have happened without the persistent, committed, and tireless work of our Members who spoke about this issue with politicians, corporations, organizations, and clients. And deep thanks to our Board of Directors & Public Policy Committee (past and present) – and our staff.
Once this measure has received Royal Assent – and the commitment to removing GST/HST has become a reality, we will follow up with you about our next steps in continuing to dismantle the barriers preventing timely, affordable and equitable mental health services to everyone who needs them; namely, advocating for full integration of RPs into each and every venue through with mental health services are delivered in Canada.
Most sincerely,
Liana Palmerio-McIvor, RP, (Cert-S) OAMHP
President, OAMHP
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