NDP leader Don Davies reacts to Prime Minister’s food affordability announcement

NDP Leader Don Davies issued the following statement:

“Canadians are being crushed by the soaring cost of groceries. Prices rose even faster in 2025 than they did in 2024, and families are expected to pay $1,000 more this year to buy the exact same amount of food.

The consequences are devastating. One in four parents is skipping meals so their children can eat. Food bank use has reached record levels across the country.

While any measures that offer relief are welcome, Canadians need action now, not promises that won’t begin for months. New Democrats will work cooperatively with the government to get this money flowing faster to Canadians.

In our view, the Liberal government continues to ignore the root of the problem: price gouging and anti‑competitive behaviour in the grocery sector.

The federal government must start cracking down on the very corporations that are driving up costs. After all, grocery giants like Loblaws have already admitted to taking part in an industry‑wide bread price‑fixing scheme that artificially inflated prices for years.

New Democrats are putting forward concrete solutions to make food affordable for Canadian families. That includes capping prices on essential grocery items, implementing a mandatory Grocery Code of Conduct, strengthening competition laws and penalties, establishing a National Food Cooperative Strategy, and fixing Nutrition North.

These are practical measures that will have a real impact for people.

Canadians deserve a food system that works for them, not one that leaves families hungry. The NDP will keep fighting to make life affordable for everyone.”