The Ford government will waive its portion of the sales tax on new homes for first-time buyers up to the value of $1 million as it bids to stimulate slumping home sales and housing starts in Ontario.

On Tuesday morning, Housing Minister Rob Flack and Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy announced the move, confirming a policy which had, at times, appeared in flux.

The pair said they would use the Fall Economic Statement to rebate the eight per cent provincial portion of the harmonized sales tax for first-time home buyers on new homes up to $1 million. They estimated the change could save new homebuyers $80,000 when “combined with” other provincial measures.

“Our government is working every day to bring the dream of homeownership within reach for more people. Today’s announcement is goo

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