Just to clarify that, 100% of OECD countries with a consumption tax have a rebate program. No country has ever revoked a rebate program with a consumption tax. If Canada were to do it, it would be the only OECD country that is charging a consumption tax on a product that's not being consumed in the country, and it would be actually penalizing a tourist for carrying the product home with them on their plane as opposed to paying Federal Express to deliver it. If they pay Federal Express to deliver it, they don't pay the GST, if they carry it home, they pay the GST.
On November 9th, 2006. See this statement in context.