Local MP’s raise cost concerns in Ottawa

Canada’s cost of living has reached alarming levels, leaving many struggling to afford basic necessities, according to a local MP.

In the House of Commons on Nov. 25, Battlefords-Lloydminster MP Rosemarie Falk criticized the government’s record and highlighted the sharp rise in grocery prices and food insecurity.

“After nine years of the Prime Minister, life has never been more expensive for Canadians,” she said. “Record numbers of Canadians are being forced to rely on food banks to survive, and many food banks are running out of food.”

Statistics Canada shows some of the challenges Canadians are facing. Over the past three years, prices for goods rose 10.2 per cent, while prices for services increased 14.2 per cent.

Meanwhile, food banks across the country report record-breaking demand. A recent report from Food Banks Canada showed that over two million Canadians accessed food banks in March 2023, the highest number ever recorded.

Falk highlighted a concerning example of cost in northern Saskatchewan, identifying 27 recent cases of scurvy.

“The patients all had one thing in common, a lack of nutritious food,” emphasized Falk. “This should not be happening in Canada.”

Adding to the concerns, Lakeland MP Shannon Stubbs attacked the government’s economic policies earlier this month. Additionally, she suggested they have also chased away investment in our country.

“We have the worst decline in living standards in four decades, the worst drop in income per person in the G7, and the worst economic growth in the (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) OECD,” she said. “Over $450 billion has fled Canada, fled the Liberals, to the U.S.”

The OECD confirms Canada recently ranked last among its member nations for expected economic growth. In addition, a Royal Bank of Canada report projects that Canadians’ purchasing power will continue to decline into 2024.

Falk argued the rising cost of living is compounded by the government’s carbon tax policy.

“This costly NDP-Liberal coalition is hell-bent on quadrupling the carbon tax, which will only make everything more expensive,” she said.

Others claim the tax adds to the cost of fuel, heating, and food transportation. The Canadian Taxpayers Federation reports the carbon tax will rise annually, increasing the burden on households.

Despite these challenges, some government officials defend their approach. They argue that carbon pricing is necessary to combat climate change and encourage a shift toward green energy. However, critics contend that these measures disproportionately affect low- and middle-income Canadians, who already face shrinking purchasing power.

Falk and Stubbs both want the governing Liberals to change their policies.

“Canadians deserve access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food,” Falk said while demanding an elimination of tax on groceries.

Stubbs urged a reconsideration of energy policies to retain jobs and investment.

“What is their wacko plan now? It is to slap a job-killing oil and gas cap on Canada, make everything even more expensive and drive out jobs, businesses, money, tech and talent.” she argued.

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