NDP introduces motion to deliver grocery price relief to Ontario

SCARBOROUGH — Official Opposition Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles, MPP Tom Rakocevic, and Scarborough Southwest candidate Fatima Shaban held a press conference in Scarborough this morning; where they introduced a bill to scrap the HST on all food and drink, and prevent grocery monopolies from using lease agreements to stifle competitive pricing.

“After eight years of Doug Ford, affordability has never been further out of reach,” said Stiles. “People are hurting every time they go to pay for their groceries, trying to stretch a dollar further and further just to feed their families.

“Our bill calls on Doug Ford to scrap the HST on all food and drink, and ban grocery stores from using lease agreements to prevent competitors from opening nearby, and selling products for less.

“We know it can be done. Wab Kinew’s NDP government in Manitoba has proven we can rein in these wealthy grocery giants, and make life more affordable. All it takes is a Premier with the will to act.”

“Grocery giants are posting record profits every year,” said Rakocevic. “Meanwhile, hard-working Ontarians are having to decide between feeding their families, putting gas in their car, or paying their rent. It’s time that the Ford government stood up for them.

“The Conservatives have already voted against banning surveillance pricing. If they again vote in opposition to making groceries more affordable, they’ll have to explain that to the people of Ontario.”

Bill 113, Fair Prices and Tax-Free Groceries Act, 2026 will be debated in the Ontario Legislature next week.