People don’t vote for you because of what you do, but because of why you do it.

Why the GST Holiday and Rebate Cheques Is Unlikely to Move the Needle for Trudeau’s Liberals

To paraphrase Simon Sinek in more political terms —“People don’t vote for you on what you do, but why you do it”.

This feels especially relevant when analyzing the Trudeau government’s recent announcement of a GST holiday and rebate cheque. On the surface, these measures offer some relief to Canadians stressed by the rising cost of living. We have heard for some time in our polling that scarcity and the cost of living are by far the top concerns.

Yet, despite the relief these measures will deliver for many people, they are unlikely to shift public opinion or meaningfully improve the government’s political fortunes.

First, while the initiatives address Canadians’ financial anxiety, they fail to align with a larger narrative about why the government is taking action. Canadians are deeply frustrated with the state of the economy and increasingly skeptical of political leaders’ motivations. Without a compelling story about the government’s purpose—one that goes beyond short-term fixes—it’s difficult for voters to feel inspired or reassured. Many will see these measures as a reactive, tactical move rather than a strategic effort to improve their lives over the long term. This isn’t consistent with how the Liberals have approached affordability to date.

Second, public opinion research consistently shows that trust and leadership are key drivers of political support. Offering targeted relief like a GST holiday is unlikely to rebuild trust in a government struggling with record-low approval ratings. For many voters, it’s not just about the policy—it’s about their perception of Trudeau’s ability to lead the country through turbulent times. Right now, a majority of Canadians are looking for change, and piecemeal announcements do little to change that perception.

Third, these measures risk being seen as too little, too late. In an environment where affordability and financial strain dominate public concerns, voters are looking for bold, systemic solutions. The Liberals’ efforts may provide short-term help, but they won’t satisfy the growing demand for a more comprehensive vision to tackle inflation, housing affordability, and economic insecurity. The desire for change is deep. Far deeper than a short-term measure and a cheque can solve. Even among Liberal-leaning voters, these steps might feel insufficient compared to the scale of the problem.

Ultimately, the GST holiday and direct payment policy choice highlight a fundamental disconnect between the government’s actions and the mood of the electorate. Canadians are not just asking what the government will do for them—they’re looking for a leader who shares their concerns, understands their struggles, and has a plan to deliver meaningful, lasting change. Until the Liberals can communicate a clear why behind their policies, announcements like this are unlikely to resonate with voters already looking for an alternative.

The lesson for the Trudeau government—and for any political leader—is clear: policy alone doesn’t win trust. In moments of widespread discontent, it’s the vision and purpose behind the policy that inspire loyalty and drive political momentum. Without it, even well-intentioned measures risk falling flat.