The NDP Critic for Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Brian Masse, released the following statement:

 

“I was deeply concerned by reports that several of Canada’s largest wholesalers and grocers appear to have conspired to raise the prices of baked goods for Canadian consumers across the country over a period of 14 years.

In addition to late last year’s news of this price-fixing scheme, it was reported yesterday that the Competition Bureau believes wholesalers Canada Bread Company Ltd. and George Weston Ltd., as well as retailers Loblaws, Walmart, Sobeys, Metro, and Giant Tiger committed indictable crimes under the Competition Act. While I await the results of the full investigation by the Bureau, this is a serious development that should worry all Canadians.

In a time of deepening inequality in this country, these troubling reports must continue to be investigated and those responsible for this conduct must be brought to account. This offensive corporate greed, which cheats hardworking Canadians, must never be allowed to happen again.

Canadians deserve better than to be duped by a price-fixing scheme so that executives at profitable corporations get bonuses and increased pay. This economy is not working for everyday Canadians, and we need to fix it.”