Below, please see a follow up and original e mail to local MP Lloyd Longfield and MPP Mike Schreiner with regards to price gouging by the grocery industry. To date, no response from either of our elected officials.
January 22, 2021:
Good evening. I guess I am not surprised to have not received a response to below e mail of January 6. However, not surprised that elected officials cherry pick items that they will respond to. Or, in other words, don’t care.
I would not expect a law to be enacted. I would expect the issue to be raised, either in the House or Legislature, or, with your access to the press to make public, and to elicit a response from the participants in the grocery industry. Loblaws specifically does not have a good track record with regards to the price fixing scandal....yes, it was a scandal....the price fixing of bread and bread products over a number of years. The penalty then was a mere slap on the wrist.
Again, the high corporate profits are on the backs of consumers, many of whom are facing hardships either through lost or reduced income.
I repeat, I would not anticipate a law with regards to, but at the very least, a voice in the print and TV media to which you both have access. Speak up, even if it is just local media.
Disappointed and angry.
Garry
January 6, 2021.
Good afternoon and Happy New Year to all.
Over the past several months there has been a lot of noise from politicians with regards to price gouging during the pandemic. A lot of this attention I believe was aimed at industries directly related to items used for the protection from COVID, and rightfully so. However, one industry that seems to have been overlooked is the food industry.
Profits for The Loblaw Group of Companies are at an all-time high. I have not seen figures for the Sobeys group, or A & P (Metro) but am sure their numbers are very high.
I have voiced concerns in the past that seniors are not afforded a discount, while students are. Seniors have been supporting the neighbourhood grocery store for years, while the nomadic students have no such loyalties. Any concerns voiced in the past basically fell on deaf ears. Discounts aside, the current practice of 2 for, say $4.99 each, or $2.99 each is basically discrimination against seniors or single people. Recently, at Zehrs, I saw probably one of the most ridiculous examples.....hamburger buns and hot dog buns...3 ...yes 3, as in three....for $7.98...or $2.99 each.....do you consider this price gouging ? A form of discrimination ? This is early January...this is not BBQ season. Even if it was BBQ season, seniors or singles do not require 3 packages. Loblaws / Zehrs is making good money at the 3 for price.....at the single price, it is now gouging. This is but one of many examples.
Does anyone have the consumer’s back? Does anyone care?
The federal monies handed out under various programs Covid related to companies that then pay out dividends to shareholders and other misuses are beyond ridiculous. The politicians and public servants at all levels who had the nerve to travel outside of Canada while the pandemic is claiming more lives, and forcing businesses to fold, putting countless people out of work...they should all resign...not only from any cabinet position, but also render their seat...others...also resign, with no severance.
It is not my intention to time this email with what is happening in the USA.
Something has to be done to protect us from those gouging the people ..seniors or otherwise. You were elected by the people, not Bay Street.
I look forward to not only your response, but actions going forward.
Thank you.
Garry McKenna
