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House Bill

Bill C-323

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
September 27, 2023
An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act (mental health services)
  • Bill C-323 is an amendment to the Excise Tax Act in Canada. It aims to exempt psychotherapy and mental health counseling services from the goods and services tax (GST). The bill recognizes that many Canadians have unmet mental health needs and that publicly funded services are often not easily accessible when needed. Canadians often have to pay for these services privately, but many do not have private coverage. The bill seeks to make mental health services more affordable and accessible by removing the GST on these services. The bill will come into effect six months after it receives royal assent.
  • H1
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  • S1
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  • RA
  • Yea (327)
  • Nay
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • Steelman Argument: The exemption of psychotherapy and mental health counselling services from the goods and services tax (GST) would have several significant benefits for Canadians. First and foremost, it would address the issue of accessibility to mental health services. Currently, many Canadians are unable to afford private mental health services due to the high costs involved. This exemption would make these services more affordable and accessible to a larger portion of the population. Furthermore, the Mental Health Commission of Canada reports that nearly one quarter of Canadians over the age of 15 have unmet mental health needs. By exempting these services from the GST, the government would be taking a proactive step towards meeting the mental health needs of its citizens. This could potentially lead to improved mental health outcomes and overall well-being for individuals and the nation as a whole. In addition, by exempting psy

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Steelman Argument against Bill C-323: While it is crucial to prioritize mental health services, providing an exemption for psychotherapy and mental health counseling services from the goods and services tax (GST) may have negative consequences. Firstly, exempting these services from GST could have a significant impact on government revenue. The revenue generated from the GST is essential for funding various public services, including mental health initiatives. By exempting these services, the government may face challenges in maintaining the necessary resources for mental health programs. Secondly, exempting psychotherapy and mental health counseling services from GST could create an imbalance in the healthcare system. While mental health services are essential, it is important to consider the implications of providing preferential treatment to this sector. Other healthcare services may argue that they also deserve to be exempt from G

House Committee

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
February 07, 2024
Standing Committee on Finance (FINA)
Re. Bill C-323, An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act (mental health services)
  • Report 15 concurred in by the House
  • Pursuant to Standing Order 97.1, your Committee is requesting an extension of thirty sitting days to consider Bill C‑323, An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act (mental health services), referred to the Committee on Wednesday, September 27, 2023.
    To give the Bill the consideration it requires and that the Chair present this request to the House, your Committee therefore requests an extension of thirty sitting days.
    A copy of the relevant Minutes of Proceedings (Meeting No. 124) is tabled.
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
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House Committee

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
February 05, 2024
Standing Committee on Finance (FINA)
Re. Bill C-323, An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act (mental health services)
  • Report 15 presented to the House
  • Pursuant to Standing Order 97.1, your Committee is requesting an extension of thirty sitting days to consider Bill C‑323, An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act (mental health services), referred to the Committee on Wednesday, September 27, 2023.
    To give the Bill the consideration it requires and that the Chair present this request to the House, your Committee therefore requests an extension of thirty sitting days.
    A copy of the relevant Minutes of Proceedings (Meeting No. 124) is tabled.
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
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House Debates

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
January 30, 2024

House Motion No. 414

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
Sept. 27, 2023, 3:25 p.m.
2nd reading of Bill C-323, An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act (mental health services)
  • Bill C-323
  • Latest: Second reading in the House of Commons
House Third Reading
  • Sept. 27, 2023, 2 p.m.
  • In Progress
  • Read
House Second Reading
  • March 16, 2023, 10:34 a.m.
  • Passed
House First Reading
  • March 9, 2023, midnight
  • Passed