B.C. parties target grocery costs, senior support in election campaign
The NDP proposes a cap on price increases for staples, while the Conservatives and Greens offer competing affordability plans.
GRAND FORKS — British Columbia NDP Leader David Eby is defending his plan to cap what he calls unfair price increases on grocery staples as the major parties campaign ahead of the Oct. 24 provincial election.
"The distribution of food in the province is highly centralized, which means British Columbians have seen an increase in the cost of groceries beyond the rate of inflation," Eby said.
He said the proposal is aimed at multiple major retailers rather than a single grocery chain, despite the announcement being made outside a Save-On-Foods location.
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The NDP leader said the decision was not meant to specifically single out billionaire owner Jim Pattison.
What is the NDP's grocery proposal?
The NDP proposal would place limits on retail margins for basic food items, including milk, eggs, butter, cheese, chicken and turkey.
It also includes measures intended to increase competition and address predatory pricing.
Eby said grocery distribution in B.C. is highly concentrated and that the cost of basic food has risen beyond inflation.
The Retail Council of Canada, however, has questioned the approach.
It argues that factors such as transportation, energy, labour and regulation also contribute to grocery prices.
What are the Conservatives saying?
The B.C. Conservatives have focused on a previous NDP promise of a $1,000 grocery rebate.
Conservative candidate Peter Milobar criticized Eby over the cancellation of that measure.
"Eby broke his word by cancelling a $1,000 grocery rebate he promised last election, and now he wants a fresh mandate," Milobar said in a statement.
Milobar said the NDP leader is now seeking another mandate despite the unfulfilled commitment.
What are the Greens proposing?
The B.C. Greens are putting affordability at the centre of their campaign, particularly for older residents.
Their platform includes increased monthly rental assistance for low-income seniors.
It also proposes applying vacancy control to assisted living facilities to protect against rent increases.
The Greens released part of their platform in a statement on Saturday.
Why are these issues central now?
Grocery prices and affordability for seniors are emerging as key issues as British Columbia’s major political parties campaign ahead of the October 24 provincial election.
With the election approaching, the competing proposals show how the cost of groceries, housing and senior support have become central parts of the campaign debate over affordability in British Columbia.
The three major political parties spent Saturday campaigning ahead of the Oct. 24 vote.
The B.C. Greens are also putting affordability at the centre of their campaign, particularly for older residents.
Their platform includes increased monthly rental assistance for low-income seniors and vacancy controls in assisted-living facilities aimed at limiting rent increases.
The parties will continue to campaign until election day on Oct. 24.
With files from The Canadian Press, Philippine Canadian Inquirer and Toronto Star