Bill 620, The Restricting Property Controls for Grocery Stores and Supermarkets Act, would prohibit grocery stores from using restrictive covenants or exclusivity clauses that prevent competing businesses from opening nearby or limiting what they can sell.
The Government of Manitoba passed similar legislation last year.
“With food prices through the roof, we need to drive prices down by ensuring more competition at the checkout, not less,” said Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck, who introduced the bill. “Right now, a handful of powerful companies are using legal rules to keep competitors out and keep prices high.
“The government should be using every tool at its disposal to make life more affordable.”
A recent investigation by CBC’s
Marketplace found that major Canadian grocery chains including Loblaws and Sobeys have used property controls to limit competition from other grocery stores, dollar stores and pharmacies.
Food affordability is a growing concern across Saskatchewan. Prices increased 5.5 per cent over the past year alone, and certain items — ground beef, canola oil, strawberries and more — have shot up nearly 50 per cent in price since Scott Moe became Premier eight years ago.
At the same time, food bank use has surged with nearly four-in-10 users being children – the highest rate in Canada.
“Families are being squeezed at every turn while Scott Moe sits on his hands,” said Beck. “This bill is about restoring fairness and making sure no company can rig the system to shut out competition and drive up prices.
“More competition means lower prices, more choice and real relief for Saskatchewan families. It’s time for change.”
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