Critics, Opposition React to Ottawa’s Threat of Additional Taxes on Big Grocers

Critics and members of the opposition have expressed concern over the federal government’s talk of potentially imposing additional taxes on major grocers.

A worker at a Metro grocery store in Toronto on July 18, 2023. The Canadian Press/Cole Burston

Critics and members of the opposition have expressed concern over the federal government’s talk of potentially imposing additional taxes on major grocers. They argue that this move could worsen the affordability crisis faced by Canadians who are already grappling with rising food prices.

At the conclusion of the Liberal party’s three-day national caucus retreat in London, Ontario, on Sept. 14, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that his government is exploring various tools, including potential tax measures, to compel major grocery retailers to stabilize food prices.