FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JANUARY 12, 2021

Masse & NDP fighting to make life more affordable for Canadian families

OTTAWA – With inflation rising and many people out of work, especially in the face of new restrictions and closures in many provinces, life is getting more and more unaffordable for Canadians. Now, media reports have uncovered that third-party grocery delivery apps are charging more for the already inflated grocery prices Canadians are paying. New Democrats, including the Critic for Industry Brian Masse, are standing up for Canadians to help make sure they can get by.

Earlier this week Masse sent a letter to the Competition Bureau asking the Commissioner to investigate the situation.

“With the speed at which the newest variant of COVID-19 is spreading, more Canadians than ever before are isolating and are forced to rely on grocery delivery services like Instacart. Canadians who are doing the right thing by staying home to keep their communities safe should not be punished by third-party apps who are cashing in on the situation,” said Masse.

A recent report from several Canadian Universities is predicting that Canadian families could spend an extra $966 on groceries in 2022. With budgets being stretched more than ever before, families can’t afford hidden costs on essentials like food.

“New Democrats know how hard things have been for Canadians these past few years and we are fighting to help make life more affordable,” added Masse. “While the Liberals have done little to address the affordability crisis, we will continue to fight for Canadians to make sure they can get by.”

Masse also sent a letter to the Chair of the Industry Committee asking for the committee to reconvene to discuss mark ups by third-party apps, hazard pay for grocery store workers and the effects of inflation on grocery prices.
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