I am one among millions of Canadians struggling to afford basic groceries. The cost of living has become unbearable, with grocery prices soaring beyond our reach. This is not just a personal issue, but a national crisis that needs immediate attention.

According to the "Arrell Food Report" conducted by the esteemed Canadian universities like the University of British Columbia, Guelph University, Dalhousie University  and University of Saskatchewan in 2023 Retail Food prices increased by an average of 5.9% with a prediction of a further 4 5% increase in 2024. This is just after food prices had already increased by a whopping 10.3% YOY Sept '21 to Sept '23 according to the "Canada's food price report 2023" with an optimistic prediction of another 4.5% increase for 2024 according to the Arrell Food Report.

This means that in the three years from 2022 to 2024 the grocery prices will have increased by a mind-boggling 20.7% if my math is correct which along with the  Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjusted 18% increase in housing prices, in the last five years, and soaring gasoline prices due to the Carbon tax, will leave the average Canadians unable to make ends meet anymore.

Even according to the highly and always optimistic Statistics Canada, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for food purchased from stores rose 3.9% in December 2020 compared to December 2019. This increase is significantly higher than the average annual inflation rate of 1.95% over this period (Statistics Canada).

 

This situation is unsustainable and unacceptable in a country as prosperous as ours. It's time for our government to step in and take decisive action against these out-of-control grocery prices.

We call on our elected officials to implement policies that will stabilize food costs and ensure all Canadians can afford their basic needs without financial strain or fear of going hungry.

Please sign this petition if you believe everyone deserves access to affordable groceries in Canada.