Only 150 first-time homebuyer GST rebates approved by June

Federal data shows the government has been slow to process a new GST rebate for firsttime homebuyers, with only 150 approvals recorded by June 19 out of 7,500 applications submitted. The rebate is meant to remove the federal sales tax on newly built or substantially renovated homes priced up to $1 million, with a maximum benefit of $50,000. Ottawa says it has paid out $3.577 million so far, while 620 applicants have been denied and 6,700 cases are still awaiting a response. Finance Minister FrançoisPhilippe Champagne said the rollout needs improvement and said the government will review the issue. Officials pointed to delays in passing the legislation behind the program as one reason for the slow start, and said they expect uptake to improve now that the law is in place.