NDP calls on Ford to lower grocery costs by expanding the Ontario Food Terminal

HAMILTON — Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition Ontario NDP, is calling on Doug Ford to finally act on lowering grocery costs by expanding the Ontario Food Terminal.

Stiles joined MPPs Sandy Shaw (Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas) and Dr. Robin Lennox (Hamilton Centre) at a local grocery store in Hamilton today, calling on the Premier to commit to expanding the food terminal and building new hubs so that small independent grocers can enter the market and bring much-needed competition.

“Doug Ford has given grocery monopolies the upper hand,” said Stiles. “He’s paved the way for people like Galen Weston to make record profits by gouging hard-working Ontarians trying to feed their families.

“Food terminals give people more affordable options by allowing smaller competitors to enter the market. We can rein these greedy grocery giants in, while giving Ontario families the options and relief they so desperately need.”

Stiles’ demand follows the federal government’s recent Food Security Fund announcement, which includes a $1 billion fund to expand the Ontario Food Terminal model, contingent on the province’s commitment.

“Expanding the food terminal would be transformative,” added Stiles. “This will mean more small, independent grocery stores across the province who are able to scale up their business and compete with the big grocery chains.

“Families are seeing their grocery bills get higher and higher while corporate grocery chains see record profits. By committing to expanding the food terminal, we can rein in the chains, support local growers and farmers, and save families money.

“It’s time for Doug Ford to actually deliver something for the people of Ontario. Stop leaving money on the table, and start bringing grocery costs down for our province.”

Stiles has written to Premier Doug Ford calling for a commitment to expand the Ontario Food Terminal.