IKEA Fresh Ideas for Ontario: Part 1

Hej Ontario!? Like piping hot cinnamon buns from the oven, IKEA is serving up some ideas to make Ontario even better.

Why is IKEA talking about public policy? As a leading brand, we care about our co-workers, customers, and communities. With over 32 million total visitors last year, we have a good sense of what Ontarians are looking for.? We all have a responsibility – government, business, community groups, and individuals – to bring solutions to the “table.” (Yes, an obligatory furniture pun!)??

Fresh Idea 1: Ending the Tax on Second-Hand Sales & Repairs ???

Buying second-hand and repairing items is a smart choice for saving money and the planet. We all pay HST when we first buy a product, but why are we paying sales tax again when it ends up in the second-hand marketplace? A product might lose its luster, acquired a few scratches or dents, but the full sales tax is always there.? With the cost of living on the rise, more Ontarians are turning to second-hand shopping and repairing things to save money.? And more reused and repaired household items also means less waste ends up in landfill. Ending sales tax on used goods also encourages local businesses to grow.? It’s a win-win-win scenario for Ontarians.?

Other provinces like BC and Manitoba offer tax breaks on used goods—but why not Ontario? IKEA Canada asked this exact question last Earth Month and got over 35,000 signatures on our petition. Everyone can support more money in their wallets and a cleaner environment.

Join me over the next 4 weeks as IKEA shares more ideas to help Ontarians shop, live, and work better.

Timothy B. Fuchs is the Head of Public Affairs for IKEA Canada. Prior to joining IKEA Canada, he was with the Ontario Public Service for 15 years. Tim's hallmark is his humour, having been a (very amateur) stand-up comic and hosting his "Humour in the Workplace" workshops for corporate clients.??