The Canadian Press/ John Woods
Manitoba's Progressive Conservative opposition slams the NDP government's failure to address increasing grocery prices, branding their promise as hollow. Interim Tory leader Wayne Ewasko points to Statistics Canada data indicating a 3.3% rise in food prices in Manitoba last month, surpassing the national average and neighboring provinces. The increase follows the province's temporary suspension of a 14-cent-a-litre fuel tax, set to conclude on September 30.
Ewasko highlights disappointed Manitobans, who anticipated lower grocery costs due to Premier Wab Kinew's pledge to ensure retailers pass on fuel tax savings to consumers. Despite Kinew's assurance of government intervention if retailers failed to comply, no concrete actions were outlined. Grocery companies previously cautioned against linking fuel prices directly to food costs, citing various contributing factors like wages and wholesale prices.
Premier Kinew, currently on a trade mission in the United States, was unavailable for comment. In his absence, Deputy Premier Uzoma Asagwara defends the government's affordability efforts, such as doubling a tax credit for fertility treatment. However, specific plans to address escalating grocery prices remain undisclosed.
Food affordability has emerged as a pressing issue in Manitoba, with the NDP vowing to regulate grocery prices if they gained power, as stated by NDP legislature member Mark Wasyliw last May. However, no details were provided regarding potential regulatory measures.
Overall, Manitoba's Tories criticize the NDP's failure to fulfill promises of tackling rising grocery costs, urging concrete actions to alleviate the burden on Manitobans.
