Taking real action on affordability for Canadians

Taking on the big grocers on affordability

The cost of groceries is out of control for everyday Canadians and while other parties only talk, we’re taking decisive action. Following up on the targeted one-time grocery rebate, we’re taking several steps to address the escalating price of groceries for people.

➡️ We are demanding the major grocers take real action to stabilize grocery prices now.

➡️We are calling the leaders of the largest grocery chains to Ottawa for an immediate meeting on how to address high prices.

➡️ We are not ruling out any options, including the use of tax measures, to bring prices down.

But that’s not all. We’re going to ensure more competition in the grocery market by amendments to the Competition Act by giving the Competition Bureau more power to demand information and take action against schemes that stifle competition and consumer choice.

While the Conservatives mouth empty promises, we’re taking real action to help Canadians.

Making it easier for builders to build more rental apartments

Many people in Scarborough Centre are renters, and they are an important part of the housing market. But not much new rental stock is being built, putting pressure on supply and driving up prices. We have a plan to change that.

We will incentivize the construction of much-needed rental homes by removing the Goods and Services Tax on the construction of new apartment buildings for renters. This is another tool to create the necessary conditions to build the types of housing we need, and that families want to live in.

We’re also calling on provinces that currently apply provincial sales taxes or the provincial portion of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) to rental housing to join us by matching our rebate for new rental housing. I’m glad to report that several provinces, including Ontario, have already agreed.           

Extending CEBA loans for small businesses

I have been approached by small business owners in Scarborough who told me the recovery has still been slow for them, and they need more time to repay the Canada Emergency Business Account loans that we gave them during the pandemic that allowed their businesses to survive.

I took their feedback to the government, and it has listened. By extending the repayment  deadline by one year until 2026, small businesses will be able to invest back into their business and get fully back on their feet and continue providing good local jobs.

For more information

Fighting for the middle class

Government extends repayment and partial loan forgiveness deadlines