No Hidden Costs. No Surprises. Honest Prices for Canadians.

Consumers deserve to know exactly what they’re paying — no surprises at checkout. We call on grocery stores and our provincial and federal governments to mandate tax-inclusive pricing and clear tax breakdowns. Honest pricing empowers Canadians to manage their budgets, understand government policies, and make informed choices for their future.

Objective:

We petition grocery stores, provincial governments, and the federal government to adopt and mandate tax-inclusive pricing, giving Canadians clear, honest information at the point of purchase.

Why Now?

In countries like Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and across the European Union, listed prices already include taxes. The price you see is the price you pay — simple, honest, and transparent.

Meanwhile, in Canada, taxes are often added only at checkout, making it harder for Canadians to budget accurately, manage spending, and understand the real impact of tax policies on their daily lives.

In times of economic uncertainty and rising living costs, we must prioritize clear communication with consumers.

Real-World Proof: Transparent Pricing Works

Costco Seattle Example:

At Costco stores in Seattle, tax-inclusive pricing is already practiced. In addition to including taxes in the displayed price, Costco also shows a clear breakdown — for example, highlighting the “sugar tax” on sweetened beverages separately. This empowers consumers with full knowledge of what they are paying and why.
Carbon Tax Pause in Canada (2024):
When Mark Carney and the Liberal government paused the carbon tax, Canadians immediately noticed gas prices dropping significantly. It was a rare and visible moment showing how certain taxes directly impact everyday costs.
Imagine how much more informed we would be if every hidden cost was brought into the open — on groceries, household goods, and essentials.

What’s at Stake?

Without Change:

Shoppers remain confused at checkout, unaware of how taxes add up.

Families struggle with budgeting because of unpredictable final costs.
Citizens miss the opportunity to understand how government policies affect their wallets.

With Change:

Every Canadian can see exactly how much they are taxed — and for what.

Budgeting becomes easier, helping households make smarter financial decisions.
Voters and consumers can make more informed choices about leadership and policy based on real, transparent economic impacts.

Why This Is About More Than Just Shopping

This isn’t just about quicker checkout lines. It’s about strengthening Canadian democracy and consumer power.

When taxes and surcharges are hidden or unclear, citizens are left guessing.

When pricing is honest and clear, Canadians are empowered to ask the right questions:

Why are we being taxed?

How much are we being taxed?
Is this tax serving a real, meaningful purpose?

Clear pricing leads to stronger accountability — from businesses and governments alike.

Supporting Research
Australian Taxation Office (2019):

Found that tax-inclusive pricing significantly improved consumer trust and financial confidence.
Dubai Department of Economic Development Report (2018):
Highlighted how tax-inclusive pricing simplified shopping experiences and reduced customer disputes.
European Journal of Marketing (2020):
Showed that transparent pricing reduced mental fatigue and improved shopping satisfaction.

Call to Action

We urge grocery chains, provincial governments, and the federal government to:

Mandate tax-inclusive pricing on all consumer goods.

Provide clear breakdowns where additional taxes (such as carbon taxes or sugar taxes) apply.
Respect Canadian consumers by giving them the full story — upfront and honestly.

Sign this petition to support honest pricing and empower Canadians with the knowledge they deserve.

Because when consumers are better informed, everyone — from families to governments — benefits.

Target:Major grocery store chains, provincial policymakers, federal consumer protection bodies, and Parliament of Canada.

Honest Pricing. Informed Choices. A Stronger Canada.